Heliodorus, Ethiopica

ToposText · Heliodorus · 269 sections

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§ 5.1 THE FIFTH BOOK THE PIRATE CHIEF: Thus was the city of Delphi occupied. What they did in the end I know not, saving that their pursuit gave me good occasion to convey myself away. I took the young folks with me to the sea that very night, and I put them on the Phoenician ship which was just preparing to depart. For as dawn was near and they had only promised to wait for me a day and a night, the Phoenicians thought now they would not be breaking the oath they had sworn to me. When we came they welcomed us very joyfully and forthwith launched out into the deep, using oars at first, but when a calm breeze blew from the land and the waves quietly came under our ship and in a manner smiled upon her, suffering her to go with full sail. She flew along and soon we passed the gulf of Cirrha, and Parnassus with his high tops and the rocks of Aitolia and Calydonia, and at sunset discovered the islands, which by name and figure are the Rugged, and the Zacynthian Sea. But why do I tell you this out of season? Why do I forget myself and you, and continue thus my tale, plunging you into a very sea of talk? Let us leave the rest of my story and sleep a little. For although you, Cnemon, be not weary of listening and stiffly strive against sleep, yet I think that now you begin to quail, in that I have continued my talk far into the night. And besides this, my son, age doth burden me, and the remembrance of my sorrows vexing my mind doth drive me to sleep.'
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§ 5.2'Cease then! father,' said Cnemon;'although it is not I who wish you to end; for that I should not do, though you were to tell your tale for many days and nights together; with such excellent pleasantness and singular suavity is it seasoned. But for some time now there has been a noise and tumult about this house. I have been troubled a little thereat, but forced myself to keep silence because of the great desire I had to hear your tale.''I heard it not,' said Calasiris;'either because age maketh mine ears somewhat dull and hard — for age breedeth many infirmities both in the other parts of the body and chiefly in the ears — or else because my mind was wholly occupied about my tale. Methinks that Nausicles, the owner of this house, has returned: and, O ye gods, how hath he fared?''In all things even as I desired,' said Nausicles, suddenly stepping in to them.'I know well, good Calasiris, that you were careful of my business and almost travelled with me in your mind. For I have perceived your good will toward me by divers courtesies shown me at other times, and also by this whereof I heard you talking when I came in. But, who is this stranger here?''He is a Greek,' said Calasiris;'you shall hear more of him hereafter. But tell us quickly what good luck you had, that we may rejoice with you.''You shall hear in the morning,' said Nausicles.'For the moment be content to know that I have gotten a better Thisbe. Now I need to sleep a little, to abate the weariness that my journey and my other cogitations have brought upon me.' This said, he went away to do as he told them.
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§ 5.3 But Cnemon was much abashed when he heard Thisbe's name, and turned all his cogitations to the past, with much and continual sorrow tormenting himself all the rest of the night. Calasiris, although he was fast asleep, perceived it at last, and sitting up a little and leaning on his elbow, asked him what he lacked and why he was so disquieted as to seem almost mad.'Have I not cause to be mad?' said Cnemon,'seeing I hear that Thisbe is alive?''Who is this Thisbe,' quoth Calasiris,'and how do you know her, and why are you so grieved to hear that she is alive?''You shall hear all that when I tell you my story,' said Cnemon.'But her I saw slain with these eyes, and with mine own hands I buried her in the herdsmen's island.''Sleep,' said Calasiris;'we shall know how this goeth ere long.''I cannot sleep,' said he.'You may be still and quiet; but for my part I know not whether I can live, except I go forth secretly and make diligent enquiry how Nausicles is deceived, and how with the Egyptians alone such as were dead revive again.' Calasiris smiled a little at this and fell asleep. But Cnemon went out of their chamber and such things happened to him as one might expect, roaming in the dark through a strange house. Nevertheless he took all in good part, for his fear of Thisbe, being desirous in haste to rid himself of this doubt. At length after with much ado he had gone up and down in one place as though it had been different, he heard a woman, like a nightingale in the spring, dolefully lamenting and with sorrowful tunes, so that by her mourning, as if one had taken him by the hand he was brought to her chamber, and laying his ear to the door heard her yet complaining in this fashion:'I, poor wretch, supposed that I had been delivered out of the hands of thieves and escaped the death I always looked for, and that I should now lead a life with my dearest friend which, though wandering in a strange land, would have been to me most delectable. For there is nothing so troublesome and grievous that in his company is not tolerable. But the god that hath had charge of our business from the beginning and hath granted us but small pleasure, not yet satisfied, hath deceived us again. I thought I had escaped bondage; but now I am a captive again in prison. I was in an island and dark place before; this present state is like to it, or rather truly worse, for he who both could and would by comfort abate my sorrows is violently separated and taken from me. A den of thieves yesterday was my inn; and what was that habitation but a very hell or worse place? Yet my dear loveR being with me made it easy to be suffered. There he lamented me alive, and shed tears for me being as he thought, dead, and bewailed me as though I had been slain. Now I am deprived of all this; and he is gone, who was partaker of my calamities and wont to share them as a burden with me. I am left alone, a lamentable prisoner, objected to the arbitrament of cruel fortune; and do only retain my life for that I hope my most dear friend is alive. But, O my heart, where art thou? What fortune hast thou? Art thou also bound, who hast a free mind, not able to abide any servitude save that of love? Well, save thy life at least and return to behold thy Thisbe again. For by that name thou shalt call me, whither thou will or not.'
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§ 5.4 Cnemon had suspected at the beginning something else; but when he heard this, he could not abide to hear the rest. From these last words he concluded it was Thisbe herself and was within a little of swooning at the door. After he had with much ado recovered his courage, fearing lest he should be spied of any man — for now the cocks crew a second time — he ran back stumbling and hurting his toes, sometimes knocking against the walls and door posts, sometimes hitting his head on the gear that hung from the ceiling. When after much travail he came to his lodging, he fell upon the bed and all his body trembled and his teeth chattered sore. Indeed he would perchance have been in extreme peril, if Calasiris had not perceived it and comforted him and brought him to himself again. As soon as he was revived he asked of him the matter.'I am undone,' quoth he;'for that most wicked Thisbe is indeed alive.' And therewithal he swooned again, and Calasiris had much ado to cheer him and comfort him.
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§ 5.5 Some god herein plainly was making a jest of Cnemon, some one of those also mock and sport with the lives of men. He would not suffer him peaceably to enjoy what was most pleasant to him, and mingled with pain that which was soon to bring pleasure; either showing in this matter his own custom, or else because the nature of man does not admit of pure and unmixed joy. And so it was that Cnemon fled from what was most desirable, and supposed that to be fearful which was most delectable to him. The woman that wept was not Thisbe, but Chariclea. For thus it was. When Thyamis came into his enemies' hands alive and was kept prisoner — the island being set on fire and the herdsmen who dwelt there fled — Cnemon and Thermuthis, the shield bearer of Thyamis, in the morning rowed over the lake, to spy in what case their captain was with the enemy: the manner of their journey was such as has been declared before. Then were Theagenes and Chariclea left in the den alone, who accounted even the extremity of their present dangers to be the height of joy. For this was the first time that ever they were by themselves, delivered from all who might trouble them. Wherefore they took their fill without hindrance of kisses and close embracings, forgetful of all else beside as they clung to one another as if they had been one body, but content still to satisfy themselves with chaste love, temperating their affection with tears and cleanly kisses. For Chariclea, if at any time she perceived Theagenes to pass the bounds of seemliness and deal with her over wantonly, would rebuke him by telling him of his oath; and he would suffer himself to be reformed with little labour and brought again to temperateness, in as much as he could master his desires although he could not master his love. But at length, though it were long first, they remembered what they had to do and were constrained perforce to be satisfied, and then Theagenes began to speak thus:'That we, Chariclea, may enjoy one another and attain unto that which we have preferred before all other things and for which we have borne all our troubles, we both do wish and may the gods of Greece grant. But as all worldly things are unstable and incline diverse ways, and we have borne much and have much still to expect, seeing that we must now haste us to Chemmis, as we have agreed with Cnemon, and know not what fortune we shall have, and that further there is a great and wonderful deal of ground for us to pass before we can come to the land we hope for; let us now arrange certain tokens whereby we being in one another's sight may know our secrets, and if it happen to us to be separated, may trace each other out. For a watchword between friends, which is kept in hope to find, is a great easement in long travel.'
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§ 5.6 Chariclea praised his device, and they agreed if they were separated that Theagenes should write'Pythicus,' and Chariclea' Pythias' upon all famous temples, statues, monuments, and stones at crossroads, adding'has gone to the right, or to the left, or to such a city, village, or country;' and that they should give besides the day and hour. If they met, it would be sufficient for one to see the other; since they thought that no time would be able to obscure the tokens of their love. But for better assurance, Chariclea was to show her father's ring, which was put with her when she was exposed, and Theagenes a scar on his knee that a wild boar gave him. It was further agreed between them that her emblem should be a torch, and his a branch of palm. To confirm this they embraced one another and wept, pouring out their tears, methinks, in stead of libations, and for an oath using kisses.
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§ 5.7 When these things were thus ordered they came out of the cave, without touching any of the treasures that were laid up there. For they counted these goods unclean which had been gotten by robbery. But what they brought with them from Delphi and the thieves had taken from them, that they gathered together and carried away with them. Chariclea changed her apparel, and putting into a little pack her necklaces and garlands and sacred robe, that it might be more private, laid the rest of their worst stuff on the top. As for her bow and quiver, she gave them to Theagenes to bear, which was a passing pleasant burden for him, seeing that they were the proper weapons of the god who had power over him.
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§ 5.8 But as soon as they came near to the lake and were about to take boat they espied a band of armed men rowing over to the island. Sore dismayed at that terrible sight, they stood a great while astonished, as though by the greatness of their sorrow they were hardened against the injuries of fortune which still so raged against them. At length, when the men were just landing, Chariclea desired that they should retire back, and creep into some corner of the den, and there hide themselves; and therewith herself she started to run away. But Theagenes stopped her and said:'How long shall we flee the fate that followeth us everywhere? Let us yield to fortune and withstand no longer the violence that is ready to assault us. What else shall we gain but fruitless travel, and a life of banishment, and the continued mockery of the gods? Do you not see how to our exile they join the robberies of pirates, and go about with great effort and diligence to bring us into greater dangers by land than erst we have found by sea? Not long ago they made a battle about us: then they brought down thieves: afterwards they made us prisoners: then they left us alone but at liberty making us believe that we might go whither we would: and now they have brought us into the hands of such as shall kill us. This war for their sport have they made against us, devising, as it were, a comedy out of our affairs. Why then should we not cut short this tragical poem of theirs and yield us to those who wish to slay us; lest perchance, if they mean to make an intolerable end to our tragedy, we be forced to kill ourselves.' Chariclea agreed not to all he said. Marry she thought that he justly accused fortune; but it was no point of wisdom to yield themselves willingly into the enemies' hands; they were not sure they would kill them as soon as they had them, nor had they to do with so gentle and friendly a god that would make a quick end of their miseries, but would reserve them perhaps for a further bondage.'That,' quoth she,'would be more grievous than any sort of death. If we submit ourselves to the injuries of these barbarous people, we shall be so shamefully handled as I am loth to imagine. Which thing by all means let us avoid as long as we can, measuring our hopes of the future by our experience of the past, how we have oftimes been preserved from dangers even more desperate than these.'
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§ 5.9 Thereupon Theagenes said;'Let us do as you will.' She went before and he followed her close, as if he had been tied to her. But for all their haste they came not to the den before their enemies. For while they were looking at those in front of them, they wist not that they were now compassed and enclosed behind by another band which had landed on the island in another place. Wherewithal sore abashed they stood still, and Chariclea ran under Theagenes' arm, that if she must needs die she should die in Theagenes' hands. Some of those who had landed made ready to shoot at them; but after the young folks had looked upon them, their hearts failed and their right hands quaked. For even barbarous hands, it seems, do fear beautiful personages, and a right cruel eye will be made gentle by a lovely look. So they seized them and carried them to their captain, desiring to take the fairest of their spoils to him first. They had indeed nothing else to bring; for though they compassed the island with their arms, as with a net, yet they could find nothing, seeing that all that was in the island was burned in the former skirmish, save only the den of which no man knew. And thus they were brought to the captain Mitranes, leader of the watch to Oroondates deputy of Egypt under the great king; who being hired with a great sum of money by Nausicles to seek Thisbe, as is aforesaid, had now come to this island. When Theagenes and Chariclea came into his presence, calling upon the gods to save them, Nausicles by a crafty merchant-like device stepped forth and cried with a great voice:'This is that Thisbe of whom I was robbed by the mischievous herdsmen, and now recover again, by benefit of you, Mitranes, and favour of the gods.' Then he caught hold of Chariclea, feigning to be very glad, and whispered in Greek to her privily in her ear, so that none who were by should hear them, that she should say her name was Thisbe, if she desired to escape danger. And this policy took effect; for Chariclea, when she heard him speak Greek, thought that he was planning something to her advantage, and ordered herself as he desired; and when Mitranes asked what her name was, she said' Thisbe.' Then Nausicles ran to Mitranes and kissed him on the cheeks, and with praise of his good fortune made the barbarous man proud, saying that not only had he achieved other wars well but had brought this also to a prosperous end; so that elated by his words and deceived by the name he thought that it was so. He was indeed amazed at the maid's beauty, which even in her simple apparel appeared, as if the brightness of the moon should shine out of a cloud; but the quickness of the trick prevented him from changing his mind and any chance to repent was taken from him.'Well then,' quoth he,'now the maid is recovered, seeing she is yours, take her with you.' And when he had said this, he delivered her to him, still looking back at her and plainly declaring that it was against his will, and because of the reward he had received before, that he suffered her to depart.'As for this young man,' he said, pointing to Theagenes,'whoever he be, he shall be our booty and go with us, and be kept diligently to be sent to Babylon. For the comeliness of his body is such that he may wait at the king's table.' This said, they rowed over the water and departed one from the other. Nausicles having Chariclea with him came to Chemmis; but Mitranes, going to view other towns under his jurisdiction, without delay sent Theagenes with a letter to Oroondates, who was then at Memphis, thus indited:' Mitranes the captain to the governor Oroondates,'
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§ 5.10'I send you a young man of Greece, too good to serve under me and meet only to wait in the sight of our god, the great king; giving you leave to present this excellent gift to him who is master of us both, such a one as the king's court has never seen hitherto, neither yet shall hereafter.'
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§ 5.11 This was the contents of the letter. But Calasiris and Cnemon, hoping to learn what they were ignorant of, came to Nausicles before daybreak and asked him how he had sped. Then Nausicles told them all: how he came to the island and found it deserted and no man therein to meet them: how he had craftily beguiled Mitranes and gotten a certain maid who was there instead of Thisbe: and that he had sped better in getting her than if he had found Thisbe. For there was no small difference between them, but as much as between goddess and mortal woman. Her beauty was such that none could surpass it; but it was not possible to set it forth justly in words. When they heard this they began to surmise the truth, and prayed him instantly to bid her come in straightway: for they knew that it was not possible in words to express Chariclea's beauty. So she was brought in, and Nausicles — as she cast her eyes to the ground and had muffled all her face save her eyebrows — began to comfort her and bid her be of good cheer. She looked up a little and, contrary to her expectation she saw and was seen; so that they all three began to cry out together as if a sign or token had been given them, and you might have heard often these words —'O my father,' and'O my daughter,' and'O Chariclea indeed not Cnemon's Thisbe.' Nausicles for wondering had almost forgotten himself, astonished to see Calasiris weeping as he embraced Chariclea; for he knew not what this sudden recognition scene, as if it had been in a comedy, meant. But Calasiris kissed him and said:'May the gods give you, O best of men, the fill of all your desires, who have saved my daughter that I never looked for, and caused me to behold the dearest thing that I might possibly see. But, O my daughter, where hast thou left Theagenes?' She burst out weeping at that question, and after a while she answered:'He that delivered me to this man led him away prisoner.' Calasiris then besought Nausicles to tell him what he knew of Theagenes, who it was that had taken him, and whither he would carry him. Nausicles told him all, perceiving not that these were the children of whom the old man had talked so often, and in hope to find them had led a wandering life in sorrow. But he added that the knowledge would be of scant service, since they were poor and needy folk, and it was doubtful whether Mitranes would let him go even for a great sum of money.'I have money,' said Chariclea softly to Calasiris.'Promise him as much as you will. I have about me the jewels which you know of.'
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§ 5.12 Calasiris was glad hereof, but fearing lest Nausicles should suspect what Chariclea's offer was, he said:'Good Nausicles, a wise man never lacketh, but doth measure his means by his wants, receiving so much from the powers above as he deemeth right to ask. Wherefore tell me only where he is that keepeth Theagenes, and God's gracious liberality will not let us want but will give us so much as well may content the Persian's greed.' Nausicles smiled at this, and said:'You will make me believe that riches come to you on a sudden, like the god in a machine, if you pay me first the ransom for your daughter. For you know that merchants, as well as Persians, are eager to get money.''I know it well.' said Calasiris,'and you shall have it. There is every reason that you should, for you pretermit no kind of courtesy toward us, and of your own accord, without waiting for us to ask, agree to my daughter's restitution. I should first myself have requested this at your hand.''I grudge you not,' quoth Nausicles,'and if it please you, come and pray to the gods — for I will do sacrifice — and crave that you may have goods to give me.''Jest not,' said Calasiris,'neither be of so little faith. Go and prepare the sacrifice, and when all things are ready we will come.'
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§ 5.13 They did so, and within a while there came one from Nausicles who called them and bade them make haste. They went forth joyfully — for by this time they had decided what to do — the men going with Nausicles and the other guests, for he made a public sacrifice, while Chariclea went with Nausicles' daughter and the other women, who comforted her diversely, but even so had much ado to persuade her to go with them. Indeed I know not whether she would ever have been persuaded if under pretence of the sacrifice she had not determined to pray for Theagenes. After they came to the temple of Mercury — for Nausicles made his sacrifice to him and honoured him more than the rest, as being the god who has most care of merchants — and the offering was begun, Calasiris looked a little upon the entrails, and by the diverse changes of his countenance declared the pleasure and pains of that which was to come. While the fire yet burned upon the altar, he thrust in his hand and made as though he pulled out of the fire that which he already held in his hand, and said:'This price of Chariclea's redemption the gods proffer thee, Nausicles, by me.' And therewith he delivered him a princely ring, a passing heavenly thing. As touching the hoop, it was of electrum, wherein was set a bright amethyst of Ethiopia, as great as a maiden's eye, in beauty far better than those of Iberia or Britain. For they have but a faint red flush, like a rose which hath broken bud and falleth now to leaves stained by the heat of the sun, while the Aethiopian amethyst is of a deep ruddy hue, as a flower unsullied in the spring. If you turn him about as you hold him he casteth forth a golden beam, which doth not hurt or dim the sight but maketh it much better and clearer. And his natural virtue is also more than that of the western stones, for he doth not bear his name without effect, but in truth will not let that man be drunk who weareth him but keepeth him sober at all feasts.
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§ 5.14 Of this quality is every amethyst of India and Ethiopia. But the stone which Calasiris gave Nausicles did surpass even these. For there was a picture graven on it representing certain beasts, which was done in this fashion. A boy, sitting upon a not very high hill to look about him, kept sheep, appointing for his flock their several pastures with his shepherd's pipe, so that they seemed to be ruled and to stop at their feeding accordingly as he sounded his instrument. A man would have said they had Golden Fleece s, not by reason of the workmanship, but for that the amethyst shining with his redness upon their backs made them show so fair. There were engraven also young lambs leaping up and down, and some by heaps went up the rock, other some danced round about the shepherd, insomuch that the top of the hill was made a shepherd's disport. Others skipped in the flame of the amethyst, as if they had been in the sun, and with the tips of their feet scraped the stone. Many of the young sort, being of greater courage, seemed as though they wished to go out of the circle, but were prevented by the workmanship which set a band of gold in the manner of a wall about the rock and them. And it was a rock in truth, not a counterfeit; for when the workman had wrought the gold about the outer part of the stone, he let it show here in its native truth what he desired, thinking it of no purpose to counterfeit one stone in another.
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§ 5.15 Such was the ring. Nausicles astonished at the strangeness of its coming and delighted even more at the value of the stone, esteeming the ring of more price than all the goods he had beside, spake thus:'Good Calasiris, I did but jest, and when I asked you somewhat for the ransom of your daughter, it was but words: for I had determined to let you have her for nothing. But since, as you say, the glorious gifts of heaven are not to be refused, I take this stone sent by the gods, persuading myself that it comes to me from Mercury, according to his wont the fairest and kindest of all gods, who hath given this gift to you through fire, as may be seen still by the flaming thereof. And besides I deem that gain to be best, which without damage to the giver doth enrich him that receiveth it.' After he had said this he went, himself and the others, to the festal banquet, placing the women by themselves in the inner part of the temple and the men in the outer precinct. When they had their fill of eating and the cups were set upon the table, the men made libation to Bacchus and sang marching songs in his honour while the women danced a ditty made in praise of Ceres. But Chariclea went apart about her own business and prayed that Theagenes might be preserved and guarded safe for her.
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§ 5.16 And now, when the banquet waxed somewhat warm and each man after his own sort solaced himself, Nausicles, holding in his hand a glass of clear water said:'I drink to you in water, good Calasiris, and if you will toast us in return with that tale we so desire to hear, it will be more pleasant to us than all the cups on this board. For you hear how the women, as a diversion for the banquet, have begun to dance, and so your travels, if it please you to make report of them to us, will help on our feast wonderfully and be more pleasant to us than any dance or music. You have often before deferred the telling, as you know, for that your mischances overwhelmed you, but you can reserve it for no better time than this. Of your children, your daughter is safe here in our company, and your son by the gods' help shall be recovered very soon, if you anger me not again by deferring your tale any longer.''God's blessing on your heart,' quoth Cnemon to Nausicles, catching hold of his talk,'who, though you have brought to this feast all manner of musical instruments, do now set light by them and leave them to the ruder sort, and yourself desire to hear of more mysterious things seasoned with divine pleasure. Methinketh you well understand the nature of the gods, who join Mercury and Bacchus together and add pleasantness of speech to the fineness of your banquet. Wherefore although I have for just cause marvelled at the other sumptuousness of the sacrifice, yet I know not whether a man may by any means please Mercury better than by contributing to a banquet that which is the god's very own mark, a story.'
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§ 5.17 Calasiris agreed, both to do Cnemon a pleasure and also to win favour with Nausicles, because of what was to come. So he told them all, briefly repeating the principal parts of what he had told Cnemon before, and of purpose passing over in silence what he thought was of little purpose for Nausicles to know. What had not yet been told, and did depend upon that which went before, he told after this fashion.'When they came aboard the Phoenician ship and were gone from Delphi, they sailed at first as they would wish and had a very prosperous wind behind them. But when they came to the Calydonian Sea they were greatly troubled, since they had happened into a sea which of its own nature is disquiet and troublesome.' Cnemon at this desired him not to pass it by but to tell if he knew any reason for the raging of the waves in that place.'The Ionian Sea,' said Calasiris,'being brought from its great breadth into narrow waters, pours, as it were through a funnel, into the Crisaean Gulf and then, hastening to mingle with the Aegean, is checked in its course by the Isthmus of the Peloponnese, whose hill by God's providence perhaps was placed there lest the violence of the water should overflow the land on the contrary coast. Wherefore it would seem that the water is beaten back and piles up more in this part of the sea than in any other place, since that which is flowing in strikes against that which is running backwards, so that the sea begins to boil and the waves rise boisterous, by their mutual clashings lifted up into mighty billows.' All those who were present praised and applauded this reasoning, declaring it to be true, and Calasiris went on with his tale.'When we had passed this sea and had lost sight of the Rugged Islands, we thought that we discovered the heights of Zacynthus, lying like a dark cloud before our eyes. Therewith the master bade strike some of the sails, and when we asked him why he abated them and went more easily, seeing that the ship had a very good gale of wind —'Because,' said he,'if we went with a full sail, we should arrive at the island about the first watch and there would be danger lest in the dark we run upon the sharp rocks hidden beneath the sea. It is therefore wisdom to lie out all night and take the wind in such proportion as shall serve to bring us to land there in the morning.' Thus said the master, Nausicles, but we did not do so; for at the very rising of the sun we were casting anchor in harbour. The inhabitants of the island who dwelt about the haven, which was not far from the city, came flocking to look upon us, as if we had been some strange sight, admiring the handsomeness of the great ship, as it seemed, which was built very fair and high, and saying that they recognised therein the excellent workmanship of the Phoenicians, and that we had wonderful good luck, who made so good a voyage in the winter about the time the Pleiads were ready to set.
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§ 5.18 The rest of our company, even before the mooring cables were fastened, left the ship and hurried off about their merchandise to the city of Zacynthus. But I — as I had heard by chance from the master that they would winter there — went to seek some lodging for us along the shore, eschewing the ship, for that it was unmeet by reason of the rudeness of the mariners, and also the city, for that it was not convenient for the flight of the young couple. After I had gone a little way, I saw an old man, which was a fisher, that sat mending his broken nets before his door. I came to him and said:'Good man, God save you; tell me, I pray you, where a man may get lodging?' He answered me:'It was rent about a promontory hereby, yesterday, being caught upon a jagged rock.''I asked not that,' quoth I;'but you will do us great courtesy, if either you yourself will be our host or else show us some other lodging.' To that he answered:'Not I: I was not aboard with them. God forbid that Tyrrhenus should do so much amiss or be so hampered by his age. It was my lads' fault, who knowing nothing of the rocks here in the sea cast their nets before they should.' As I now at length perceived that he was somewhat hard of hearing, I shouted at him loud, and said:'God speed you, sir, and I pray you tell us where we may find an inn.''God speed you in return,' quoth he,'and you are welcome, if it please you, to abide with me; unless indeed you are one of those who seek luxurious mansions and bring a great train of serving men after you.''I have but two children,' quoth I,'and I am the third myself.''That makes a good proportion,' quoth he;'we are one more, as you will find, for I have two sons who dwell with me — my eldest sons are married and keep house themselves — and the fourth is my children's nurse, because their mother died but a while ago. Wherefore, good man, come and doubt not that we will be glad of you, who are a man who seem to be some gentleman even by your talk.' I arranged with him, and shortly after came back with Theagenes and Chariclea, and Tyrrhenus entertained us gladly, and let us have the warmer part of the house. Truly we passed that winter season very well conferring in the day time together, and when we would sleep, Chariclea went to bed with the nurse in one room by herself, and I with Theagenes lay in another, and Tyrrhenus and his children in a parlour, also alone took their rest. We did eat at one table all, and such thing as were needful we provided at our own cost, while Tyrrhenus gave his guests abundance of the fish he caught in the sea, sometimes fishing alone and sometimes at our leisure we would help him. For he had all manner of ways to fish and for all seasons, and the place was well supplied and very convenient to cast nets; so that many ascribed the gain he got by his skill to the benefit of fortune.
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§ 5.19 But this did not last long. As the proverb goes —'Once unhappy, always unhappy.' Chariclea's beauty even in this solitary place, roused up turmoil. The merchant of Tyre, who had been declared victor at the Pythian games, with whom we sailed, came to me alone and was very importunate and vexatious to me, beseeching me, as if I had been her father, that I would give her to him for wife. He talked much of himself, telling me of his noble stock and showing his riches, and said that the ship wherein we sailed was his own, and that the greater part of the merchandise in it, gold, precious stones of great value, and silk was his also. He added also his late obtained victory, as no small increase of his honour and name, and a thousand things besides these. I alleged for myself our present poverty, and that I would never marry my daughter to one that dwelt in a strange country, so far from Egypt.'Leave this talk, father,' quoth he;'I count the maid herself to be a dowry worth many talents, even all the riches in the world. As for my country I will change it to yours, and will turn from my proposed voyage to Carthage and go with you whithersoever you will.'
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§ 5.20 When I saw that the Phoenician would not give up his purpose but persisted vehemently in his determination, and refrained not from vexing me therewith every day, I determined with fair words to put off the matter, lest he should attempt force against us on the island, and promised that I would fulfill all his desire when I came to Egypt. But after I had by these means pacified him, God brought upon us one wave after the other, as the proverb has it. Tyrrhenus, not long after, took me to a secret place on a crooked shore and said thus to me:' Calasiris, I swear by Neptune and all the other sea gods, that I have loved you as if you had been mine own brother, and your children as if they had been mine also. I will tell you of a thing that is preparing against you, very grievous and painful. It is not lawful for me to conceal it from you, since we both dwell in one house, and it is very necessary that you should know thereof. There is a pirate waiting for the Phoenician ship, who lieth secret under the side of this promontory, and sendeth out spies daily to inquire when your craft will sail. Wherefore look to yourself and take heed what you must do, since it is against you, or rather against your daughter, that their wonted savagery is now enterprised.''The gods,' quoth I,'give you such thanks for these tidings as you deserve! But how came you to know this, Tyrrhenus?''By reason of my craft I am acquainted with these pirates,' said he,'and when I bring them fish I get a greater price from them than from other folk. Therefore yesterday when I was drawing my pots about the cliff yonder, the master pirate came to me and asked whether I had heard when the Phoenicians would leave the harbour. When I perceived the subtlety of his talk:'In faith, Trachinus,' quoth I,'I can tell you no certainty, but I suppose that at the beginning of the next spring they will sail.' “Will the maid then sail with them,” quoth he, “who lieth at your house?”'I cannot tell,' quoth I;'but why do you ask that?' “Because I love her in such sort,” he replied, “that I am scant in my wits. I never saw her but once, but I know not whether I ever saw so fair a woman before. And yet I have taken many prisoners, some of them very beautiful.” That I might the better cause him privily to tell me all his plans, I said unto him;'What need you to fight with the Phoenicians, and not rather without blood fetch her out of my house before they go away?' “Even pirates,” quoth he, “use gentleness and courtesy to such as they are acquainted with. I am leaving her therefore for your sake, lest by taking her I should bring you into trouble; for the guests whom you entertained would be required again at your hand. Also I desire to have two things at once, the riches in the ship and the marriage of the maid. Whereof one I must needs forfeit, if I make the attempt by land; and beside it would be very dangerous if such a thing should be enterprised so near the city, lest the rape should be perceived and pursuit made after.”'When I had much commended him for his wisdom, I left him there and am come now to tell you of the snares which these villains have laid for you, desiring you heartily to devise how you may save you and yours.'
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§ 5.21 I went from him very heavy after I had heard this and though upon many things, until the merchant by chance meeting me and falling in talk about these matters gave me a pretty beginning of a wise device. I concealed from him what suited me of that which Tyrrhenus had told me, and opened unto him only this: that one of the men of that country, whom he was not able to withstand, was planning to take the maid from me by violence.'I had rather marry her to you,' quoth I,'both for the knowledge I have of you, and also for your wealth; but especially for that you promised to dwell with us in our country, if you have her. Wherefore if you desire to have her, let us sail hence quickly before we be prevented or suffer somewhat against our will.' He was wonderfully glad when he heard this and said:'Father, this is well devised.' And therewithal he came and kissed me, and asked when I would advise him to depart; for though it was unseasonable then, it was possible to get into some other port to avoid the snares laid against us, and there wait for the good weather of spring.'Well,' quoth I,'if you will be ruled by me, at the beginning of the next night we will depart.' He promised so to do and went his way. I came home, but told nothing of this to Tyrrhenus, although to my children I said that it would be needful in the evening to go aboard the ship. They marvelled somewhat at the suddenness of this and asked the reason; but I put them off, saying I would tell them afterward, and that it was to our advantage now so to do.
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§ 5.22 After we had eaten a slender supper and were gone to bed an old man appeared to me in my sleep, whose body was dried up, but his thigh peeping from his girt tunic showed that in his youth he had been a man of might. He had a hat on his head, and it seemed by his countenance that he had been a wise and subtle man; marry he halted a little as if he had gotten some wound in his thigh. He came near to me and smiling sourly said:'My good sir, alone of all that have sailed by Cephalenia, and looked upon my house, and counted it a great matter to know my renown, you have had no respect for me, but have held me so in scorn that you did not even pay me greeting, which every man doth, and that too though I dwell so near. For this you shall ere long be punished, and shall have like perils as I had, falling among enemies both by sea and land. As for the maid that thou takest with thee, speak to her in my wife's name, who sends her greeting, because she esteemeth her virginity more than anything in the world, and presages for her a happy and prosperous end.' I started from the bed in fear of this vision, and when Theagenes asked me what I ailed,'We had almost forgotten,' quoth I,'the going of the ship out of the harbour, and I was awakened in confusion by the thought thereof. Wherefore gather up your stuff and I will call Chariclea.' As soon as I gave her warning she came, and Tyrrhenus, when he wist of this rose also, and asked what we meant to do.'Whatever we do at this time,' quoth I,'is by your advice. We go about to escape from them that would do us mischief. May the gods keep you in safety, who have played the right honest man with us. One last favour I pray of you. Go over to Ithaca, and do sacrifice for us to Ulysses, and pray him to appease his wrath toward us. For he told me last night in my sleep that he was greatly offended against me, as if he had been despised and set at naught.' Tyrrhenus promised he would so do, and conducted us to our ship, and wept greatly, and prayed to God that he would grant us a prosperous voyage according to our hearts desire.
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§ 5.23 To be short, by the time the day star shone we were in the midst of the sea, the mariners at first being very unwilling, but at length persuaded by the merchant of Tyre, who told them that they fled from certain pirates that pursued them, of which he had warning. He meant to tell them this for a tale, and knew not that he spoke truth. The winds and weather were sore against us and the sea was very rough, so that in a great tempest we were near to be cast away; yet at length, when we had lost one of our steering oars and broken the greater part of our yard arm, we arrived off a certain promontory of Crete. We thought it good therefore to tarry some days on the island, both to repair our ship and recruit our own strength. This done, we decided to sail on the first day that the moon appeared after her conjunction with the sun. The spring gales were now blowing from the west, and as soon as we started we were driven on by them for a day and night, our master steering his course for the coast of Africa. For he said that if the wind continued blowing and we kept a straight course we might get quite across the main sea, and that he was making all haste possible to reach the mainland or some harbour, insomuch as he suspected the barque astern to be a pirate.'Ever since we loosed from the promontory of Crete,' said he,'he has been following us, and never declined one jot from our course, but pursues our ship as if he went our voyage with us. Indeed I have noticed, when I of purpose turned our ship from the right course, that he also did the same.'
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§ 5.24 When he had said this, some were moved and exhorted the rest to make ready for defence, but some made light thereof saying that it was customary for a smaller ship at sea to follow a greater as being guided by their more experience. While these things were disputed on both sides, it was the time of day when the husbandman doth unyoke his oxen from the plough, and the vehement wind began to wax calm so that in a little while it was almost down and blew softly to no purpose on our sails, rather shaking them together than making any way for our ship. At length it ceased quite, as if at the sun-setting it had appointed to leave blowing, or rather — that I may speak more truly — to do them which followed us a good turn. For those that were in the barque, as long as we had wind, were left far behind our merchant ship, our greater sails, as is natural, receiving more wind. But when the sea grew calm and we were perforce compelled to row, the barque came upon us quicker than I can describe, for every one on board her, I think, was at the oars, while she was a light boat and answered better to the rowers' efforts.
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§ 5.25 When they were now close to us, one of the men of Zacynthus who had come aboard with us cried:'We are undone, comrades; this is a pirate craft; I recognise Trachinus and his barque.' All our ship was moved at this news, and was filled with stormy tumult in calm weather. Everywhere was noise, lamenting, and running up and down. Some fled into the nether parts of the ship, some stood upon the hatches and exhorted one another to fight, some were of opinion that it was best to go into the cock-boat and escape: until, before they had determined anything, the present danger appeased their ado, since every man must needs by that time put on his harness. I and Chariclea hung about Theagenes, who desired sore to fight, and could scarcely make him refrain. She said to him that she would not be parted from him by death, but that with the same sword and a like wound she would share his fortune. I for my part, when I perceived that it was Trachinus coming against us thought of something which might benefit us; which indeed took effect. For when the pirates drew near and ran across our bows, they did not cast any darts at us, but by going round prevented our ship from advancing, trying if by any means they could get her into their hands without a battle and bloodshed: in brief they were like to people besieging a town and desired to take the ship on conditions of surrender.'Why be you so mad, unhappy folk.' they cried;'why attempt to stir against such invincible strength which far surmounteth yours, thereby purchasing your certain destruction? We will use you friendly, and now give you leave to take your cock-boat and save your lives if you wish.' These were the conditions they propounded.
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§ 5.26 The men on board our ship, as long as they were without danger and the battle without blood, were very stout and said plainly they would not depart. But when one of the pirates bolder than the rest leapt aboard, and with his sword slew all he met, teaching them that wars are usually made with slaughter and death, and the rest leapt after him, then the Phoenicians repented of their ways and falling flat on their faces begged for mercy, for that they would do whatsoever they would have them. Although the pirates were now greedy to kill — for the sight of blood is a great incentive to fury — yet contrary to all hope, on command of Trachinus they spared them. The terms they made however were very cruel, and for all the counterfeited name of peace it was savage war indeed; for the truce propounded was more intolerable than the battle. Strict commandment was given that every man should go out of the ship with one suit of apparel only, and he who broke this law should die. It seems that men set more store by their lives than any thing else; for the Phoenicians, although all hope of the goods in the ship was lost, hurried away as if they had forfeited nothing but rather made a good market, every man desiring to save himself first.
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§ 5.27 We were standing by ready to obey their decree when Trachinus came, and laying his hand upon Chariclea said unto her:'This war doth not concern thee, my dear, but hath been enterprised for thy sake. I have followed you ever since you sailed from Zacynthus and for you only have I adventured these perils by sea. Wherefore fear not, but be of good comfort, and know that you shall be mistress of all this with me.' Thus he said. But she — for she is a very prudent maid and well skilled to have regard to the occasion — harkening also somewhat to my advice, put away from her face all sad looks and forced herself to an alluring smile:'I thank the gods,' quoth she,'who have given you a heart to deal more gently with us than the rest. But if you indeed wish me to be of good comfort and to stay here do this for me as a token of your good will. Save this my brother and my father, and do not let them leave this ship. For if they be separated from me I shall not live.' Saying this she fell at his knees and held him fast with supplications. Trachinus was well pleased with her so holding, and of purpose deferred his promise. At length, moved by her tears to compassion, he was by her countenance forced to fulfil her wish, and lifting up the maid said this:'I give this your brother to you with all my heart: for I see he is a young man of stout courage who may do us good service. As for the old man, who is but a burden without profit, let him stay for your pleasure.
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§ 5.28 While these things were saying and doing, the sun had come round just to his setting and made the space between the day and night dark. The sea also suddenly, changing by reason of the hour or else by the will of fortune, began to wax rough, and a man might hear a great noise of the winds arising. Soon a fierce storm swept down upon us, whose valiant blasts did much abash the pirates, by reason that they had all left their own barque, and were busy in our vessel plundering the merchandise, and knew not how to manage the greatness of the ship. Wherefore each part was ordered unadvisedly and each man began to practise what he had never done before. Some in confusion hauled at the sails, others laid hand clumsily to the ropes; one ignorant fellow took the rudder, another, as wise as he, was in the foreship. The thing that brought us most into peril was not the tempest, which was not yet very great, but the unskilfulness of the ship master, who stood to it as long as there was a gleam of daylight, but when it was dark gave over his charge. As they were therefore now in danger of drowning and almost sunk, some of the pirates wished to return to their own barque. But they were dissuaded therefrom both by the force of the tempest and by the counsel of Trachinus, who told them that they could get six hundred such little barques, if they kept possession of the merchant ship and all the riches therein. At last he cut the rope whereby it was fastened to us, saying it would bring them into another storm and that it was well to consider their safety in the future; for that it was a suspicious thing to arrive in any place with two ships, seeing it must needs be that inquiry should be made concerning those that sailed in the other one. He seemed to them to speak with reason, and one thing gave him credit in both; for after he had cut the barque adrift the tempest somewhat abated. Still they were not at all out of danger, but rather tossed without ceasing by mountainous waves, so that they lost many parts of the ship and faced every kind of peril. That night at last was spent, and about sunset on the next day we landed on the beach by that mouth of the Nile which is called Heracleot, coming thus to Egypt by chance, unhappy creatures, and against our wills. The others indeed were glad but we were very sorrowful, reproaching the sea for our escape, inasmuch as it had grudged us a death free from insult and committed us to land and the dangers we must expect there, now subject utterly to the pirates' lawless will. What their will would be we could easily guess by that which the villains took in hand before they were scarcely ashore. Pretending to make a thank-offering to Neptune they brought wine of Tyre and many other such things out of the ship and sent some of their mates with a great deal of money to buy cattle from the borders adjoining, and charged them to pay whatever was asked at the first word.
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§ 5.29 These men soon returned bringing with them a whole herd of swine and sheep, and those who had tarried behind taking them, lit fires, flayed the beasts, and made ready for a banquet. But Trachinus took me aside, so that none might hear, and said:'Father, I am determined to take thy daughter to wife and marry her today, and I purpose to join that pleasant solemnity with our sacrifice to the gods. Wherefore lest you should be anything sad in the feast, if you heard not of this before, and that you might tell your daughter hereof and cause her to be of a cheerful courage, I have thought it good to tell you my mind. Not that I need your consent — for I have absolute power to do what I list — but because I count it more lucky and seemly also if the bride more cheerfully prepare herself being admonished thereof first by her father.' I praised his opinion, and made as though I were glad, and gave thanks to the gods that they had appointed my master to be my daughter's husband. But after I had left him I began to think on what was to come, and went back to him again and besought him that what he was doing might be performed more solemnly, and that he would appoint the ship to be the maid's bridal chamber, and give command that no man might go in and trouble her, so that she might at her leisure provide that which was meet to furnish and set forth a bride. For it were ill ordered if she, who was of good stock and rich, and what was most important shall be Trachinus' wife, should not be made as handsome as might be, even though time and place did not give her leave to be very trim. Trachinus was very glad at this and with all his heart promised that it should be so; and therewith he gave charge that all such things as they should need should be carried out, and after that none should come near the ship. They did as he commanded them and brought out tables, cups, carpets, tapestries, works of Sidon and Tyre, and other such things as were expedient for the furniture of a feast: these things were carried out from the ship upon their shoulders without respect or order, which diverse men with great travail and thrifty usage had gathered together: but now fortune had prepared them to serve their prodigal banquet.
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§ 5.30 I took Theagenes with me, and when we came to Chariclea and found her weeping, I said:'Daughter, all this is nothing new or strange: and yet you are weeping. Is it for what we knew before or for something fresh?''I weep for everything,' quoth she,'but above all for what I must now expect and for the hateful good will of Trachinus towards me, to which this present occasion, it seems, has given strength. For unexpected success is wont to invite a man to wantonness. But Trachinus and his hateful love will be sorrowful yet, which I shall prevent by my death. It was to think that I should be divided from you and from Theagenes, before the end that made me thus heavy.''You think,' quoth I,'as indeed it is. Trachinus after the sacrifice meaneth to change the banquet into your and his bridal, and made me, as your father, privy thereto, who knew before the unreasonable love that he bare to you by communication that I had with Tyrrhenus in Zacynthus, but I did not tell you thereof, lest you should have been discouraged for fear of these mishaps, and seeing also that we might have avoided his snares. But, my children, since God would not let that come to pass and we are now in extreme peril, let us attempt some bold and courageous enterprise and face the climax of our dangers, whereby, if we have good luck, we shall live a free and noble life hereafter, or if we fail, count it an advantage to die virtuously and like brave men.'
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§ 5.31 After they promised to do what I commanded, and I had taught them what was best to do, I left them making such provision as was requisite, and came to that pirate who was chief after Trachinus — his name I think was Pelorus — and said that I had a thing to tell him for his profit. He was ready to listen, and after I had brought him where none might hear I said:'Give ear, my son, briefly: for the shortness of the time will not suffer me to be very long. My daughter is in love with thee, and no wonder, as yielding to the better man. But she suspects that the arch pirate is making this banquet to marry her; for he seemed to mean some such thing when he gave her commandment to deck herself somewhat finely. Wherefore consider how you may thwart him and take my daughter yourself; for she says she will rather die than marry Trachinus.''Be of good cheer,' quoth he;'for some time now I have been of the same mind as the maid, and I have desired to have some occasion offered me to take the matter in hand. Wherefore Trachinus shall suffer me to marry her of his own free will, giving me her as the prize of honour for boarding the ship first, or else he will have but a sorry marriage. When I heard him say this I hastened back for fear of suspicion, and coming to my children comforted them and told them how my device took good effect.
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§ 5.32 Within a little while after we went to supper, and when I saw them well wetted with wine and wantonly bent, I whispered Pelorus in the ear — for I sat next to him of purpose — and said:'Have you seen how the maid is dressed?' He answered me no.'Well,' said I,'you may, if you go privily to the ship; for you know Trachinus hath given contrary commandment. You will see Diana herself sitting there. But take care for the moment not to look over boldly upon her, lest you purchase death for you both.' He tarried not, but, as if he had some very earnest business, arose and went privily to the ship. When he saw Chariclea there wearing a crown of laurel on her head and glistering garments garnished with gold — for she had put on the holy apparel which she brought from Delphi, to be a grace to her victory or a glory to her burial — and such other things about her as might beseem a marriage well, he was set on fire by the sight, as it was likely he would be, and desire and emulation pricked him forward. When he returned, it was evident by his countenance that he meant to do some mischievous thing, for ere he had well sat down he said:'Why have I not the reward due to him who first boarded the enemy's ship?''Because you have not asked for it,' said Trachinus,'and what we have gotten is not yet divided.''Then I will have the maid,' quoth he,'who was taken prisoner.' To that Trachinus answered:'Except her, you may take what you will.' But Pelorus said:'Then do you disannul and abrogate the law of pirates, which giveth him that first boardeth the enemy's ship and faceth the most dangerous part of the skirmish leave to choose whatever liketh him best.''I break not that law, good sir,' quoth Trachinus;'I rely rather on that other which biddeth underlings give place to captains. For my part I love the maid wonderful well, and mean to take her for my wife. And I say plainly that it is reason that I come first, and if you do not as I bid, you shall repent it with a blow of this pot.' Then said Pelorus to those that were by:'You see what is the reward of our labours. So shall any of you hereafter be put beside your due, and make trial of this tyrant law.' Ah, what a sight was there then, Nausicles. You might have compared those men suddenly moved to the sea: so blind and foolish a quarrel drew them to so great a broil, being with wine and anger almost stark mad. Some took this man's part, some this; one sort would have the honour given to the captain, another said that the law and ordinance might not be broken. At length Trachinus bent himself to cast a pot at Pelorus, but he prevented him — for he was provided before — and thrust a dagger through his breast, and there lay he wounded to death. Between the rest there was a cruel battle, for as they met they spared not themselves, some to revenge the captain, others to defend Pelorus his right, shouting all together and striking and being stricken with bats, stones, pots, torches and tables. I for my part went a great way off, and from the top of a little hill looked upon them free from all danger. But Theagenes and Chariclea, doing as we had agreed upon, took their share in the fray. He came with a sword and joining one side fought as though in frenzy: she, when she saw the battle begun, shot with her bow from the ship in such fashion that she never missed one and spared none but Theagenes. She did not shoot blindly into the fray but marked down the man she went to kill, herself unseen and easily espying her enemies in the firelight. They knew not what the mischief was and some supposed it to be a plague sent from heaven, until at last every man was slain and Theagenes only left fighting hand to hand with Pelorus, a stout man and practised in many murders. Now could Chariclea's shooting do no more service, and though she was in travail to help, yet she feared some mischance, since the two were come to hand blows. But at length Pelorus was no longer able to stand against him, for though Chariclea could not help in act, yet with words she comforted, crying out:'Now, my heart, play the man.' Then, as though her voice had made him strong and bold and declared what was the prize of that battle, Theagenes did begin to prove himself the better. Though he was sore wounded, he plucked up heart and leapt near Pelorus, and with his sword struck a full blow at his head. That indeed he missed, since the other avoided the blow a little, but grazing the tip of the shoulder he cut off his arm at the elbow-joint; and therewith he fled and Theagenes pursued.
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§ 5.33 What followed next I cannot tell, but that he returned again and I saw him not, since I tarried on the hill and durst not walk by night in a place so full of enemies. But Chariclea espied him well enough, for when it was day I perceived that he lay like a dead man, and she sat by him and wept and declared that she would kill herself, but held her hand because of a little hope she still had of his life. But I, unhappy man, could not speak to them, nor know the truth, nor comfort their distress, nor do what could be cone for them, seeing that our troubles on the waves were followed without intermission by mishaps as great on land. For when I saw the day appear and was coming down the hill, I espied a company of Egyptian thieves running down from a mountain which stretched that way by seeming, who at once seized the young couple and soon after carried them away, and whatsoever else they could out of the ship. I followed vainly afar off, bewailing my fortune and theirs since I could not defend them and thought it best not to come among them, reserving myself in hope to help them afterward. But soon by reason of mine age I was left far behind, since I was not so well able as the Egyptians to run over the hills; and now by your help, Nausicles, and the favour of the gods I have found my daughter again, myself contributing nothing thereto save tears and abundance of lamentation.'
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§ 5.34 Then he wept himself, and those also who were present. To be short the banquet was turned into such weeping as was mingled with a kind of pleasure: for wine in a manner maketh men ready to tears. At length Nausicles comforted Calasiris and said:'Father, hereafter be merry and of good cheer: you have recovered your daughter and after one night only you shall see your son also. For in the morning we will talk with Mitranes and do all we can to ransom good Theagenes.''I could wish it with all my heart,' said Calasiris.'But now it is time to make an end of our banquet. Let us remember God and conjoin to our offering a thanksgiving for her delivery.' Thereupon the libations were carried round; and so the banquet ended. Calasiris looked for Chariclea, and when he saw her not among the company that went out, at last with much ado, by the telling of a woman, he found her clasping the feet of the god's image: and either because of the length of her prayers or the greatness of her sorrow she was fallen into a sound sleep. So he wept a little, and prayed the god humbly to grant her better success, and softly awakened her and brought her into the women's chamber, sore ashamed belike that sleep has so overcome her unawares. Then she lay down with Nausicles' daughter, and waking thought upon her cares and that which after was like to ensue.
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§ 6.1 THE SIXTH BOOK THE WITCH OF BESSA So Calasiris and Cnemon rested in the men's chamber, and the remainder of the night passed more slowly than they desired and yet sooner than they thought, since the greater part thereof had been spent at the banquet listening to the long tale, of which they could not be weary, so pleasant it was. Without waiting for dawn they came to Nausicles and besought him that he would tell them out of hand where he thought Theagenes was, and bring them thither. He agreed and they set off together. Chariclea besought them much that she might go with them, but she was forced to tarry behind, inasmuch as Nausicles said that they would not go far and would shortly return again and bring Theagenes also. Thus they left her, wavering between sorrow for their departure and joy for hope of what she desired. They were no sooner out of the village, passing along the banks of the Nile, when they saw a crocodile, which crept from the right side to the other and dived under the water as fast as it could. The others were nothing moved by the sight, since to them it was ordinary. But Calasiris prophesied that it signified they should have some let and hinderance on their journey. As for Cnemon, he was so terrified — although he saw it not perfectly but only a glimpsing thereof — that he was within a little of running away. Thereupon Calasiris, seeing that Nausicles was laughing, said:' Cnemon, I thought that you were only afraid by night, for the noise and darkness thereof. But it appears that you are over bold by day as well, who are not afraid of names alone but of such things as are common and every man knoweth them not to be terrible.''What name of God or heavenly power is it,' said Nausicles,'that this good fellow cannot abide?''Nay,' quoth Calasiris,'if it were a god or power of heaven I should have nothing to say. But it is a human name he trembles at, if any one speaks it; and what is more to be marvelled at, not the name of any man who hath been famous for his renowned acts, but a woman's, and she too, as he himself says, dead. For yesternight, when you brought me home Chariclea safe from the herdsmen, he hearing the name I speak of — I know not why nor wherefore — would not suffer me to sleep, being still ready to die with fear, so that I had much ado to revive him. If I thought that it would not grieve him nor make him afraid I would tell you the name now, that you might laugh the more.' And therewithal he named Thisbe.
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§ 6.2 When Nausicles heard, he laughed no more, but stood in a study a great while, musing in his mind what Cnemon had to do with Thisbe, or how she had harmed him in any sort. Then Cnemon laughed loud and said:'You see, good Calasiris, of what force this name is, and how it doth not only abash and fear me, but our good friend Nausicles also. It hath brought him to a wonderful change of his cheer. As for me, I laugh now because I know she is not alive. But lusty Nausicles, who not long ago mocked others in scorn —''Enough,' quoth Nausicles;'you have taken sufficient revenge upon me, Cnemon. But I pray you tell me; by the gods of hospitality and friendship and by the salt of kindness which, methinks, you have tasted at my table, what mean you by Thisbe's name? Do you know her indeed, or seek to frighten me, or is it a jest you have devised?' Then spake Calasiris:'Now it behoves you, Cnemon, to tell us your tale; which you have oftentimes promised to communicate to me and have by diverse shifts driven off. Now you may do it very well, both to please Nausicles and also by your talk to take away the weariness of our journey.'
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§ 6.3 Cnemon consented thereto and told them all briefly what he had before told to Theagenes and Chariclea: how that he was born in Athens, and Aristippus was his father's name, and Demeneta was his step-mother. He told them also of the wicked love that Demeneta bare to him, and how when she could not come to her purpose, she awaited him with crafty tricks by means of Thisbe, who was suborned by her so to do. He added the manner thereof and how he was banished his country by the people, punishing him as if he had been a parricide; and how, while he was living at Aigina, one of his friends, Charias, told him that Demeneta was dead and the manner of her death, herself also being beguiled by Thisbe. After this he said that Anticles told him how his father was brought into misery by the confiscation of his goods, since Demeneta's kinsfolk gathered themselves together to condemn him, and made the people think that he had done a murder. Then he said how Thisbe fled from Athens with a lover of hers, who was a merchant of Naucratis. And last of all, how he with Anticles sailed to Egypt to seek Thisbe, that if they could find her they might bring her back to Athens, and deliver his father from that slander, and take revenge upon her: how after he had fallen into divers mishaps by the way he was taken by pirates: and how escaping from them he came again to Egypt and was taken by the herdsmen and there fell acquainted with Theagenes and Chariclea. And thereto he added Thisbe's death and other things in order, until he came to that which Calasiris and Nausicles knew well enough.
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§ 6.4 This tale ended, Nausicles had a thousand thoughts in his mind, sometimes thinking to tell them of Thisbe and himself, and then determining to delay a while. At last with much ado he held his tongue, partly because he thought it best so to do, partly since another chance stopped him. For after they had gone about seven miles and a half, and were almost at the town where Mitranes dwelt, they met one whom Nausicles knew well, and asked him whither he went so fast.'Do you ask,' quoth he,'whither I go, Nausicles? As though you knew not what I have to do at this time? All that I do tendeth to one end, to fulfil the commandments of Isias of Chemmis. For her I till my land, for her I provide all things, for her I pass my nights and days in wakefulness, refusing nothing that Isias commands, although I gain nothing but grief and sorrow for my pains. It is to her that I carry now in haste this Nile flamingo, as my dear mistress hath bidden me.''How easy a lover you have gotten,' said Nausicles,'and how light be her commands, when she bids you get her a flamingo and not rather a phoenix, which bird cometh to us from the Ethiopians and the men of Ind.''She maketh but a jest of me and my pains,' quoth he,'according to her fashion. But tell me now whither and on what business you go.' When they told him they were going to Mitranes —'You lose your labour,' quoth he;' Mitranes is not here now. This night with his army he has gone against the herdsmen who dwell in the village of Bessa. For they with their captain Thyamis have taken away and kept a young man, whom he sent to Memphis to Oroondates, to be carried thence as a present to the great king.'
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§ 6.5 When he had told them this he went his way, saying:'I must in haste to Isias, lest this long tarrying be any impediment to me in my love. Even now perhaps with angry eyes she looketh about for me; and she is very clever in accusing and blaming and finding fault with me without cause.' They were at first bewildered by his tale, and stood still a great while without saying any word, since they were disappointed contrary to their expectation. But at length Nausicles comforted them, saying they ought not to despair of all that they had in hand because of one disappointment, which would not last for long. It were best now to return to Chemmis, and there to consult of the matter, and then go again with better provision to seek Theagenes, having good hope to find him wherever he was, whether with the herdsman or in some other place.'We may not think,' said he,'that this is done without the providence of God, in that we met with one of our acquaintance, who by what he told us has led us to where we should seek for Theagenes, and has taught us the way to the place where the herdsmen dwell, as to a certain mark.'
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§ 6.6 When he had said this he easily persuaded them; for, as I think, they gathered hope besides from that which was told them. And Cnemon also by himself comforted Calasiris and bade him be of good cheer, for that Thyamis would use Theagenes well. So it pleased them to return. When they were come home, they found Chariclea at the door, looking for them in every coast. Seeing that Theagenes was not with them she set up a pitiful cry and said:'Are you come home alone, father, as you went hence? Without doubt, as I may guess, Theagenes is dead. Wherefore I pray you by all the gods if you have anything to say, tell me, and increase not my sorrow by delay. It is a point of courtesy to tell a mishap quickly, since that causes the mind to be ready to resist the greatness of the evil and soon makes it weary of its grief.'
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§ 6.7 Then Cnemon, breaking off her over-bitter sorrow, said:'For shame, Chariclea! What fashion is this! You are always ready somehow to prophecy the worst, and that too falsely; in which latter point you do well. Theagenes is alive, and by grace of God shall be brought back safe.' And therewith he told her briefly how and with whom he was. Then quoth Calasiris:'It seemeth by what you have said, Cnemon, that you were never in love. Else you would know for sure that things wherein is no danger at all are fearful to lovers, and that in the case of their beloved they trust nothing but the witness of their own eyes. In a lover's heart absence breedeth fear and heaviness. There is another reason also: lovers persuade themselves that they will never be parted, unless some cruel impediment procure their separation. Wherefore, Cnemon, let us pardon Chariclea, who doth indeed suffer from love's malady, and go in ourselves and consider what had best be done.'
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§ 6.8 This said, he took Chariclea by the hand, and with a certain fatherly observance brought her into the house. Nausicles, wishing to refresh them after their troubles and also now preparing some other things also, ordained a more sumptuous banquet than was his custom, and placed them alone at table with his daughter, decking her in more brave and costly fashion than was his wont. When he thought that they were satisfied with the feast he spake thus to them:'My guests — the gods are witnesses of what I say — your presence is very acceptable to me; even if you will live here always and take all that is mine, even my dearest possessions, for your own. And since I count you not as strangers but as my lovers and true friends, what I bestow upon you will be no burden to me. Moreover, as long as I am with you I am ready to help you, if you wish, to search for your kinsman to the best of my power. But you know yourself that my trade of life standeth by merchandise, and that I cultivate the same as if it were a farm. Now therefore seeing that the westerly winds blow very commodiously, so that they make the sea easy to be sailed and promise good speed to merchants, and my business calls me as it were with a trumpet to Greece, you will do very well if you tell me your mind, that I may order my business to such an end as may please you.'
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§ 6.9 At this Calasiris, after pausing a while, said:' Nausicles, good luck to you on your voyage. May Mercury, who giveth gain, and Neptune, giving quiet passage, bear you company and be your guides. May they make every haven a good harbour for you and every city easy to trade in and kindly to your merchandise: inasmuch as you have entertained us generously while we have been with you, and now we have a mind to depart do suffer us gently to go, observing in every point the laws of hospitality and friendship. As for us, although it grieve us greatly to depart from you and your house, which you have caused us to take for our own, yet we must needs go seek those whom we hold most dear. This is Chariclea's determination and mine: but what Cnemon doth purpose to do, whether he will travel with us to do us pleasure, or hath appointed to do anything else, let him now himself say.' Cnemon was going to answer and was just about to speak, when suddenly he burst out sobbing and the hot tears which trickled down his cheeks stopped his tongue. At length coming to himself again he said with a sorrowful voice;'O human estate most unstable and full of all manner of changes, what store of mishaps hast thou shown as well in me as in many another man! Thou hast deprived me of my kinsfolk and my father's house; thou hast banished me from country, city, and all I love; thou hast brought me to Egypt — and to say nothing of my mishaps on the way — hast brought me into the hands of the herdsmen robbers. There thou gavest me a gleam of hope by acquainting me with men who though they were in misery were yet Greeks, with whom I thought to live all the rest of my life. But this hope now thou seemest to be taking from me. Wither shall I turn? What shall I do? Shall I leave Chariclea who hath not yet found Theagenes? That is intolerable and may not be done. Shall I go with her to seek him? If we were sure to find him, it were well done to take pains in hope of a happy end; but if that which is to come be uncertain, and we hap to fall into greater sorrow, no man can tell where my travels will end. What if, craving pardon of you and the gods of friendship, I now at length make mention of returning to my country and my kin? By the providence of the gods, as I think, a good occasion thereto hath now been offered, seeing that Nausicles says that he intends to sail to Greece, lest if my father die in mine absence our house be left without an heir. For though I shall live in penury, yet that there should be left some of our stock by me is a thing very honourable and in itself sufficient. But, Chariclea, I would be excused to you especially, and I crave pardon at your hand, and pray you to show me this much favour: let me go with you to Bessa and I will beg Nausicles to tarry for me a little while, although he be in haste. Let me deliver you there to Theagenes, and be counted one that has well guarded what was entrusted to him, leaving you, seeing we part so well, with better hopes myself to speed well afterwards. And if we should fail of him there — which God forbid — I shall be free of blame; for I shall leave you not alone, but with Calasiris your good father who will protect you well.'
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§ 6.10 Chariclea perceived by many signs that Cnemon was in love with Nausicles' daughter — for a lover's eye is very quick to espy another who is like affected — and that Nausicles by what he said was planning a marriage and enticing Cnemon by diverse allurements. She judged moreover that he was now no meet companion for their journey nor yet free from suspicion, and made him answer thus:'Do as it pleaseth you. I give you hearty thanks for what you have done for us already, and confess myself to be in your debt. As for the time to come, it is not needful that you should care for our business, nor run danger in other men's affairs against your will. God grant that you recover your country, city and house; and do not disregard Nausicles nor the offer he makes you. As for me and Calasiris, we shall contend with all that may happen to us, until we find an end of our wanderings; and although no man bear us fellowship, yet I trust the gods will be our companions.' Thereupon spake Nausicles:'The gods send Chariclea her heart's desire, and bear her company as she asks, and grant that she may recover her kinsfolk, inasmuch as she is of so noble a courage and excellent wisdom. As for you, Cnemon, be no longer sorrowful that you cannot carry Thisbe with you to Athens: you have me here, who carried her thence so craftily: for I am that merchant of Naucratis, Thisbe's lover. You need not lament your poverty nor think that soon you will be a beggar. If you will be ruled by me you will gain a great sum of money, and under my guidance recover your country and your house. And if you list to take a wife, you shall have my daughter Nausiclea, and a great dowry with her, and I will think that I have already received what is due at your hands, because I know of what kindred and house you be come.' Cnemon did not delay, but took that which before he desired and was now offered beyond his hopes, and said;'All that you promise me I accept with all my heart.' And therewithal he gave him his hand, and Nausicles affianced and delivered his daughter to him, and commanding the marriage song to be sung by the homefolk began to dance first himself, making a sudden marriage of the banquet there prepared.
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§ 6.11 The others then turned to dancing, and with songs followed in a company to the bridal chamber, and all night long the house was lighted with such torches as are used at weddings. But Chariclea, departing from the rest, went into her chamber, and bolting the door so that none should trouble her, united and cast abroad her hair, as if she were in a frenzy, and tearing her apparel cried:'Well, let us too dance after his own fashion in honour of the god who hath care of my life. Let us sing to him with tears and dance with lamentations. Let the torch be cast to earth and the darkness resound, and let murky night rule the play. What a nuptial bower hath he made for me! What a marriage bed hath he prepared! He holds me here alone and without my bridegroom, and doth widow me of Theagenes who in name only is my husband. Alas for me! Cnemon is married, but Theagenes is roaming abroad, a prisoner perhaps and even held in chains. And that for me is happiness: I only pray he be alive. Nausiclea hath a husband, and is separated from me who until last night shared her bed. Chariclea only is alone and forsaken. I blame them not for their good fortune, O ye gods and heavenly powers; I pray that they may have their heart's desire; I blame rather mine own estate, that ye be not so favourable unto us as to them. To such an endless length have you drawn out our tragedy that it now passes all acting. But why do I complain vainly of the miseries the gods send: let the rest also be fulfilled according to their will. But if thou diest, O Theagenes, my only pleasant thought, and I be assured thereof — which God grant I never be — I will not delay to come to thee there. This very night I make my offering to thee' — and therewithal she plucked forth a lock of hair and laid it on the couch —'And these libations I pour from out the eyes thou lovest so dearly' — and then she moistened her bed with her tears —'But if thou be safe, as thou oughtest to be, come and sleep with me, my dearest, appearing to me in my dreams. Yet spare me, spare me thine own maid, and use me not after the guise of married folk. Behold, I embrace thee and think that thou art here and lookest upon me.'
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§ 6.12 When she had spoken thus she threw herself on her face upon the bed and with sore sighing and pitiful mourning clasped her arms hard together, until a certain stupor and bewilderment cast as it were a mist before the understanding part of her mind, and brought her to sleep, and held her till it was bright day. Calasiris marvelled that he saw her not as he was wont to do, and searching for her came to her chamber; where knocking somewhat hard and calling aloud —' Chariclea' — he waked her at length. She was abashed at the sudden call, and came as she was attired and unbolted the door to let the old man in. Seeing her hair disordered and her garments torn about her breasts and her eyes full of water, he understood the cause; and when he had brought her to her bed again, and caused her to attire herself, and cast a cloak upon her, he said:'For shame, Chariclea, what array is this? Why do you vex yourself so sore without ceasing? Why yield you to trouble without reason? Surely now I know you not, whom till now I ever knew to be of excellent courage and very modest. Will you not leave off from this wonderful madness? Will you not remember that you are born mortal; that is to say, an unsteady thing bending sundry ways on every light occasion? Have pity on us, my daughter, have pity: if not for your own sake, yet because of Theagenes, who desireth to live with none but you, and accounteth it his greatest advantage that you are alive.' Chariclea blushed when she heard him speak thus; the more so thinking how she had been taken; and after she had held her peace a great while, and Calasiris desired her to give him some answer, she said:'Father, you have good cause to chide, but perhaps I deserve pardon. It is not any common or violent desire that hath forced me, unhappy creature, to do this, but the pure and chaste love that I bear to a man — although he has never touched me — and that is Theagenes, who now maketh me sad, because he is not here with me, and even more afraid, in that I do not know if he is alive or not.''As touching that,' said Calasiris,'be of good cheer. You may think that he is alive and by God's favour will one day be joined to you; since we must give credit to what the oracle foretold to us, and believe also him who told us yesterday that as he was being carried to Memphis he was taken prisoner by Thyamis. If he was thus taken without doubt he is well; for there has been acquaintance and familiarity betwixt them before. Wherefore we ought not to delay but go to Bessa, and seek there, you for Theagenes, and I besides for my son: for you have heard ere now that Thyamis is my son.' Then was Chariclea in great thought and said:'If Thyamis indeed be your son, then are we in worse case than ever we were.' Calasiris marvelled hereat and asked her why.'You know,' quoth she,'how I became prisoner to the herdsmen, where the unhappy beauty with which I am endowed forced Thyamis to love me. It is to be feared lest if he find us as we make inquiry and see me, remembering that I am she who dallied and drave off with divers deceitful promises the marriage which he meant to make with me, that he will take me and by force compel me to finish the same.''God forbid,' said Calasiris,'that the vehemence of his lust should be such that he would disdain his father's countenance and not repress his licentious desire, if any such move him. But for all that, why cannot you invent some device to elude that which you so dread? You are very crafty, it seems, and skilful to make shifts, and delays against them that seek to have you.' Chariclea was somewhat merry at these words and answered:'Whether you say this in earnest or in jest, let it pass for this time. But I will tell you the way that Theagenes and I devised, although fortune would not let us put it into practise, and I hope this time we may be more lucky. When we planned to escape from the herdsmen's island, we decided to change our apparel, and wander about in the villages and towns like ragged and dirty beggars. Wherefore if it please you, let us counterfeit this dress and play the beggar; for then we shall not be so much in danger from those we meet. To beggars poverty brings safety and it is commonly a cause for pity rather than envy. Moreover thus we shall get our daily sustenance more easily; for all things are more dearly sold to strangers who have need to buy and know not the manner of the country; but they will be freely given to such as beg.'
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§ 6.13 Calasiris praised her device and made haste to be gone. Therefore coming to Nausicles and Cnemon they told them of their departure, and the next day after set out, taking no horse with them, though one was proffered them, nor suffering any man to bear them company, save that Nausicles and Cnemon and the rest of the house started them on their way. Nausiclea also went, begging leave of her father so to do, inasmuch as the love she bare to Chariclea was stronger than her nuptial modesty. When they had accompanied them almost three quarters of a mile, they took their last leave and farewell, each after his kind, and shook hands; and after they had shed a great many tears, and prayed that the parting might be lucky to them, and Cnemon craved pardon for that he went not with them by reason of his new marriage and told them that if he could get occasion he would follow them, they left each other, and they went back to Chemmis, while Chariclea and Calasiris turned themselves into beggar's dress, and put on such ill favoured clouts as they had provided before for that purpose. This done, Chariclea befouled her face with mud and soot, and tied a part of a dirty veil about her head suffering it to hang ill-favouredly over her eyes instead of a bonne grace. She had moreover a scrip under her arms, as though she would put pieces of bread and broken meat therein; but indeed it was to carry the holy vesture which she brought from Delphi; her crown, and the rest of the tokens which her mother laid forth with her. Calasiris for his part carried Chariclea's quiver, wrapped in a torn and naughty piece of leather, the wrong end downward on his shoulders, as if it had been some other thing; and used her bow — which as soon as it was unbent stood very straight — for a staff, leaning very heavily thereon. And if he saw any man coming, he would of purpose make his back more crooked than his age required, and go lame of one leg, and sometimes be led of Chariclea by the hand.
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§ 6.14 After they had learned to play their parts, jesting one at the other and saying how well their garb suited, and had besought the god who had their affairs in charge that he would be content with that which was past and suffer their evil luck to proceed no further, they went to Bessa; where, hoping to find Theagenes and Thyamis, they failed of their purpose. For coming near to Bessa about sunset they beheld a great slaughter of men lately made, of whom the most were Persians, as might easily be known by their armour, and a few of those that dwelt there also. They might conjecture there had been a battle, but they knew not who the parties were that had fought. They ranged about the dead bodies, looking to see if any of their friends were slain — for hearts in fear, careful for what they love best, do oftentimes expect the worst — until at last they saw an old woman who lay upon the dead body of one of the countrymen and wailed wonderfully. They determined therefore, if they could, to inquire somewhat of her; and so, coming to her, attempted at first to comfort her and appease her great sorrow. Which done, they asked for whom she lamented and what battle had been there — Calasiris talking to her in the Egyptian tongue — and she told them all in few words: that she sorrowed for her son, and came of purpose to these dead bodies that some armed man might run on her and kill her; and in the meantime she would do such rites to her son as she was able with tears and lamentations. As touching the battle she told them thus:'There was a strange young man, of goodly stature and of excellent beauty, carried to Memphis to Oroondates the great king's deputy, a prisoner sent, they said, as a great present from Mitranes the captain of the watch. Our men, who dwell in this village' — showing them a village hard by —'came out and took the young man away, saying, whether in truth or for a pretext, that they were acquainted with him. When Mitranes heard of this, being angry — and good cause why — he led his army hither two days ago. Now the people of this village are very warlike, and live ever by plunder, and set not a straw by death, and have taken therefore from me, as well as from other women at other times our husbands and our children. So, when they knew certainly of his coming, they placed their ambushment in places convenient for this purpose, and when their enemies came among them they easily subdued them, some attacking in front and others from the ambush, with clamour setting on the Persians' backs. Mitranes was slain as he fought with the foremost, and the greater part of his men with him, for being inclosed they had no way to flee; and a few of our people were killed also. Of whom by the wrath of God, my son was one, who had a wound in his breast with a Persian dart, as you see. For him thus slain do I, unhappy creature, sorrow; and shall I fear do the like hereafter for him who is still alive, because yesterday he went with the rest against the inhabitants of Memphis.' Calasiris asked her why they took upon them that expedition. The old woman answered that she had heard her son who was still alive say that they knew that they were now in no small peril but rather in danger of all they had, since they had slain the king's soldiers and the captain of his host. Prince Oroondates had a great company of men with him at Memphis, and as soon as he heard thereof, would come and compass the village about, and revenge this injury by the destruction of all the inhabitants. Therefore they determined, seeing their danger, to redeem their great attempt with one still greater, if they could, and to anticipate Oroondates' attack; thinking that if they came on a sudden, either they would kill him in Memphis, or if he were not there, being busied, as report goes, with the Ethiopian war, they would the sooner force the city to yield, as being void of defenders. Thus they themselves would be safe afterwards, and moreover would do their captain Thyamis service by recovering the office of the priesthood which his younger brother by unjust violence withholdeth from him. And if all their hopes failed, then were they determined valiantly to die and not to come into the Persians' hands to be scorned and tormented by them.'But,' quoth she,'strangers, whither go ye?''To the village,' said Calasiris.'It is not safe,' said she,'to mingle with those of us that are left, seeing that you are not known and come at this unseasonable hour.''If you will vouchsafe to entertain us,' said Calasiris,'we hope we shall be unharmed.''I cannot now,' she answered,'for I must do certain night sacrifices. But if you can wait — and indeed there is no remedy; you must, whether you will or not — get you into some place away from these dead bodies to pass the night, and in the morning I promise I will entertain you and be your warrant.'
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§ 6.15 Thus she said. Calasiris told Chariclea all and took her with him and they went their way. And having gone a little past those bodies, they chanced upon a little hill. There he laid him down with her quiver under his head, and Chariclea sat upon her scrip instead of a stool. The moon had just risen, lightening all things with her brightness, for she was now three days past the full; and Calasiris, being an old man and weary with his travels, fell fast asleep. But Chariclea, by reason of the cares that troubled her, slept not that night but beheld a wicked and abominable play, such as the women of Egypt do commonly perform. The old woman thinking she had now gotten a time wherein she would neither be seen nor troubled of any, first digged a trench, then made a fire on both sides thereof, and in the midst laid her son's body. Then taking an earthen pot from a three-footed stool which stood thereby she poured honey into the trench; out of another pot she poured milk, and from the third a libation of wine. Lastly she cast into the trench a lump of dough hardened in the fire, which was made like a man and crowned with a garland of laurel and fennel. This done, she took up a sword which lay among the dead men's shields, and behaving herself as if she had been in a Bacchic frenzy, said many prayers to the moon in strange outlandish terms. Then she cut her arm and with a branch of laurel besprinkled the fire with her blood; and after doing many monstrous and strange things beside these, at length bowing down to her dead son's body and saying somewhat in his ear, she awakened him, and by force of her witchcraft made him suddenly to stand. Chariclea, who hitherto had been looking not without fear, trembled with horror and was utterly discomforted by that wonderful sight, so that she awaked Calasiris and caused him also the behold the spectacle. They could not be seen in their dark corner, but they saw easily what she did by the light of the fire, and heard also what she said, for they were not very far off, and the old woman spake very loud to the body. Her question was this:'Would his brother, her son who was yet alive, return safe or no?' The body made no answer, but by nodding gave his mother a doubtful hope of success according to her wish, and then fell down upon its face again. But she turned it over on its back and ceased not to ask that question, with more earnest enforcements, it seemed, speaking in his ear. Sometimes she leapt, sword in hand, to the trench, sometimes to the fire, and at length she made the body stand upright again and asked the same question, compelling him to answer not by nods and becks but plainly by word of mouth. While this was doing, Chariclea begged Calasiris earnestly that they might go near and ask the old woman some tidings of Theagenes. But he would not go, saying that the sight was wicked although they were compelled to endure it. It was not becoming for priests either to take delight or be present when such things were doing. Their prescience came from lawful sacrifice and virtuous prayer; the knowledge of sorcerers from traffic with dead bodies in the ground, such as this chance had allowed them to see the Egyptian woman use.
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§ 6.16 While he spake thus, the dead body cried out very terribly with a hollow voice, as if it had come out of a deep cave, saying:'Mother, at the first I spared thee, and suffered thee to sin against nature and break the laws of destiny, attempting by incantations to make those things move which by nature are immovable. For even dead men, in so far as they may, have reverence towards their parents. But since thou hast thyself destroyed this, and proceedest in the wicked and shameful deeds which thou didst at first begin, and art not content that a dead body stand up but wilt compel him to speak also, caring nothing for my burial and barring me from the company of the other spirits for the sake of thy own private need: hear now that which till now I forbore to tell thee — Neither shall thy son come safe home, nor thyself escape death by the sword. As thou hast spent thy life in such wicked deeds as these, thou shalt soon meet the violent death that is appointed for all such. Thou hast endured not only to do these secret and hidden mysteries alone, but in the sight of others also, betraying to them the fortunes of the dead. Of these one is a priest — and that is so much the better, for in his wisdom he knoweth that such things should not be published abroad; and he is also well beloved of the gods; and he shall, if he make speed, reconcile his sons who are ready armed to fight a bloody battle hand to hand. But the other — which is much worse — is a maid, who has seen and heard all that thou hast done to me, a woman distressed by love who wandereth, all the world over almost, for her lover's sake; with whom after infinite labours and infinite dangers in the furtherest part of the world she shall live in prosperity and kingly estate.
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§ 6.17 The body fell down when he had said thus. But the old woman perceiving that it was the strangers who looked upon her, armed as she was with a sword, rushed against them like a wild woman. About the dead bodies she ranged thinking they were there in hiding, and meaning, if she could find them to rid them of their lives, as being crafty folk who by their spying upon her had caused her to have ill success in her witchcraft. At length seeking negligently in her anger for them among the bodies, a truncheon of a spear that stood up struck her through the belly; and thus died she, fulfilling straightway by due desert the saying which her son prophesied to her before.
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§ 7.1 THE SEVENTH BOOK THE WANTON PRINCESS Calasiris and Chariclea after they had escaped this danger, both to get themselves out of their present perils and also hastening because of what had been foretold them, pressed on all with speed to Memphis. They came to the city just as those things were doing which the dead man prophesied. For they who were at Memphis had shut the gates a little before Thyamis came with his army from Bessa, since they had warning of his attack from a soldier who served under Mitranes and had escaped from the battle at Bessa. Thyamis then commanded his soldiers to lay aside their armour along one part of the wall, and to take some rest after their long journey, and determined himself to lay siege to the town. The citizens, who before were afraid of a great army, when they saw from the walls there were so few, despising them, gathered together the few archers and horsemen which were left as garrison for the town, and themselves taking such weapons as came to their hands, were eager to go forth and fight. But they were checked by a certain wise and noble man who said that although it happened that the governor was at war in Ethiopia, yet the matter ought to be brought before Arsace his wife, that the soldiers with her consent might be the readier to defend the city. As he seemed to speak well they all hastened to the king's palace, where in the king's absence the governors dwell.
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§ 7.2 Arsace was a beautiful woman, of tall stature, and singular wisdom to do anything; she was too of high stomach because of the nobleness of her birth, as is likely seeing that she was the sister of the great king. But by reason of her unlawful and dissolute lust she was not without reprehension and blame. And besides other facts, she was in a manner the cause of Thyamis' banishment, when he was constrained to leave Memphis. For immediately after Calasiris went privily from Memphis, because of that which was told him by the gods about his sons, and could not be found so that it was thought he was dead, Thyamis as the elder son was called to the office of priesthood. As he was doing sacrifice publicly on his first entry into the temple of Isis, Arsace, seeing him to be a proper young man and of good age — for he was the handsomest man in that company and the best attired — cast many wanton looks and dishonest countenances at him. Which Thyamis regarded no whit, for he was both by nature very honest and well instructed from a child: and perhaps he did not even suspect the purpose of her play, or thought that she did it for some other reason, because he was altogether intent upon his sacrifices. But his brother Petosiris, who before had envied his brother the priesthood and had now well marked Arsace's allurements, took her unlawful enticements as a good occasion to endamage his brother. Wherefore he came to Oroondates secretly and told him of her desire, adding very falsely that Thyamis had made a match with her. The governor suffered himself easily to be persuaded, because of the suspicions he had already conceived of Arsace. Yet he molested her not, either because he could not manifestly convict her, or else he thought it best to wink at it for reverence and honour that he bare to the blood royal. But he threatened openly to kill Thyamis, and never ceased until he drove him into exile and placed his brother Petosiris in his room.
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§ 7.3 But all this was done before. At that time, when the whole multitude flocked to her house and certified her of the coming of their enemies and besought her to give command for the soldiers to assemble, Arsace, who knew thereof already, answered that she would not lightly do so, because she knew not how many her enemies were, nor who, nor whence they came, nor for what reason. It was therefore best first to go to the walls and see all their ordinances, and then provide such things as are possible and convenient. They thought she said well and went every man to the walls. There by Arsace's command a tent was pitched of purple silk garnished with gold, and she herself very costly arrayed came and sat in a high seat, with her guard about her glistering in gilt armour. Then she held out her mace in token of peaceable parley, and commanded the enemy captains to approach near to the walls. Theagenes and Thyamis, elected of the army, thereupon came and stood under the wall, clad in armour but with their heads bare, and the herald said unto them:' Arsace, wife of Oroondates, chief governor, and sister of the great king, asketh who you are, what your meaning is, and wherefore you are so bold to come hither.' They answered that their company were men of Bessa; but for himself Thyamis said who he was, and that having been wronged by his brother Petosiris and by Oroondates and deprived craftily of his priesthood, he was now brought to be restored again by the Bessi. If he recovered the priest's office, then should it be peace, and the people of Bessa would return home without any more harm doing. If not, he meant to commit the matter to the judgment of war and force of arms. Arsace had good cause, if she remembered the past, to take revenge upon Petosiris for the falsehood he practised against her and the untrue accusations that he laid against her to Oroondates, whereby he brought her into suspicion with her husband of vile and unlawful dealing and caused him craftily to be banished.
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§ 7.4 All the people of Memphis were disturbed at these words; they recognised Thyamis, and believing what he said was true, suspected now the reason of his sudden banishment, whereof at first they knew not. But Arsace was most troubled of them all, so that a whole storm of thoughts in a manner overwhelmed her. She was sore incensed against Petosiris, and calling to mind that which was past devised with herself how she might be revenged. Then when she looked at Thyamis and Theagenes she was diversely affected by passion for them both; for the one calling to mind her old love, and in the other finding occasion of a new and stronger desire; so that those who stood by her well perceived the troubles of her mind. Yet for all this when she had paused a while and come back to herself, not unlike one who is recovered of the holy evil, she said:'Good sirs, you were not well advised to take this war in hand, for in a thieves' quarrel you have brought both the people of Bessa and yourselves, young men beautiful and of good parentage, as I guess, into manifest danger, inasmuch as is if we should fight with you you could not sustain the first assault of our force. Never may the great king's power be brought so low that you would not be trapped even by the remnants of his army in this city, though the governor himself be away. But in my opinion we need not trouble the mass of men on either side. This is a private not a public quarrel, and it is better that it be privately finished and brought to such an end as the gods appoint. I think it reason therefore, and I give command that all the men of Memphis and Bessa be quiet and stir not without occasion, and that they whose is the quarrel about the priesthood should fight for it hand to hand, on condition that the conqueror have the same.'
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§ 7.5 When Arsace said this all the Memphites shouted loud and praised her advice; for they began to suspect the mischievous attempt of Petosiris, and every man was glad to lay the imminent and present danger which was before their eyes on another man's back. But the people of Bessa were not content and at first would not expose their captain to such a danger, until Thyamis persuaded them, telling them that Petosiris was but feeble and unskilful in fight, and that he would have a great advantage in the battle by reason of his practice. Arsace thought the same, it may be deemed, when she ordained that the battle be between these two, that she might have her desire without suspicion and be revenged sufficiently on Petosiris, if he fought with his brother Thyamis who was by far the better man.
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§ 7.6 Then a man might have seen her ordinance accomplished swifter than speech. Thyamis hastened to accept her challenge, and put on the rest of his armour that he wanted with a cheerful countenance, while Theagenes encouraged him and set on his headpiece, whereon was a very fair plume of feathers, glistering by reason it was well gilted, and fastened the rest of his armour securely about him. As for Petosiris, he was thrust out of the gates by violence to do that which was commanded, although he used many prayers to entreat that he might not fight, and took his weapons in hand sore against his will. When Thyamis saw him he said:'Do you not see, good Theagenes, how Petosiris quaketh for fear?''I see it well,' answered he;'but how will you do this which you have taken in hand? He is not a plain enemy, but your own brother, that you must fight.''You say well,' quoth he,'and as I myself thought. By the grace of God I mean to overcome him and not to kill him. God forbid that my wrath and indignation should proceed so far that with the blood and slaughter of mine own brother I should either revenge injuries past or purchase honour to come.''You speak like a noble man,' said Theagenes,'and one that well understandeth the force of nature; but what will you have me do to help you?' He answered:'As to this battle, it may be despised. Yet inasmuch as the variety of human fortune bringeth many things to pass oftentimes contrary to our expectation, if I get the victory you shall ride into the city with me and live in equal authority with me. But if anything otherwise than we hope happen to me, then you shall be captain of these robbers of Bessa, who love you well, and so live until God appoint some better end for your affairs.'
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§ 7.7 When these things were ordered thus, they with weeping eyes embraced and kissed each other. Theagenes sat down there, as he was, to see what would happen; and thereby, although he knew it not, gave Arsace occasion to have her full of looking upon him, viewing him round about and suffering her eyes to take such delight as she wished. But Thyamis went against Petosiris; who did not wait to strike one blow, but as soon as he saw him come turned to the gates and would have gone into the city again. But he lost his labour; for those who kept the gates would not let him in, and they who were on every part of the wall whereto he drew exhorted one another not to help him. He therefore cast away his weapons and fled as fast as he could about the city. Theagenes also ran, being both anxious for Thyamis and impatient to see all that was done. Marry he was not armed, lest men should think he meant to help Thyamis, but laid his shield and his spear at that side of the wall where Arsace sat, giving her leave to look upon them in his absence, and then followed them. Petosiris was neither quite caught nor yet very far in front, but always near to being overtaken, just so much ahead as would expect an unarmed man to outrun one in armour. By this time they had run once or twice around the walls; but as they ran the third time, Thyamis bent his spear against his brother's back and bade him stop, or else he should have a blow in the sight of the whole city, who looked upon them and was judge of that controversy. Then it was that some god, or else that fortune which doth govern human affairs, by a new scene augmented the play, and as though in rivalry introduced the beginning of another tragedy, bringing Calasiris on that very day and hour, as it were from the machine, to be a sharer in that race and an unhappy witness of his sons' deadly strife. Although he had suffered much and tried every device, imposing upon himself exile and wanderings in strange lands, if at all he might escape that cruel sight, yet now overcome by destiny he was compelled to behold that whereof the gods by oracle gave him warning before. For seeing the pursuit afar off he knew by the past warnings that they were his children; wherefore he started running faster than his age permitted him, forcing his strength that he might come before the end of the battle.
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§ 7.8 As soon as he got near and was now running hard by them he cried:'My sons, what means this? Why are you so mad?' But they knew not their father, since he was still in his beggar's weeds, while their minds were set on the race, and went by him, supposing that he was a vagrant or one that was out of his wits. Of those that were on the walls some were amazed that he spared not himself but ran ever upon armed men, others laughed him to scorn as though he were mad. But the old man, seeing that he was not recognised by reason of his vile apparel, cast off the rags that were upon him, and let his hair fall unbound, and flinging away the burden on his shoulders and the staff in his hand, stood before them face to face, a reverend and a priest-like man. Then bending down and stretching forth his hands in suppliant fashion he cried out with tears:'My sons, behold, I am Calasiris, your father. Make an end here, and refrain the rage which ill hap hath raised betwixt you, inasmuch as you have a father now and owe obedience to him.' Then they began to quail, and failing at their father's knees embraced him, looking at him with careful eyes that they might be sure it was he indeed. And when they perceived it was himself and no vision, there arose diverse, yea and contrary, thoughts in their minds. They were glad of their father, who contrary to their expectations was alive; but they were angry and sore ashamed of the case he found them in, and they were in doubt also of that which after should befall. And while the people of the city marvelled and neither said nor did anything but stood in a manner like dumb pictures, because they knew not what it meant, another act was interlaced into the play. Chariclea, as she followed Calasiris, espied Theagenes afar off — for a lover's eye is quick of sight, so that oftentimes, though it be a great way off, it will judge a likeness by a movement or a gesture — and as if she had been stricken mad by the sight ran to him like one distraught, and hanging by her arms about his neck said nothing, but greeted him with tears and lamentations. He seeing her foul face, of purpose beblacked, and her apparel vile and all torn, supposing her belike to be one of the makeshifts of the city and a vagabond, cast her off and put her away, and at length, when she would not let him go, gave her a blow on the ear, for that she troubled him in seeing Calasiris. Then spake she to him softly:' Pythius, have you quite forgotten the torch?' Theagenes was stricken by that word, as if he had been pierced with a dart, knowing that the torch was one of the tokens agreed on between them, and looking steadfastly upon her was enlightened by the beams from her eyes, as by the sun appearing through the clouds, and clasped her close within his arms. To be short, all the multitude on the wall, where Arsace sat sore swollen and jealously looking upon Chariclea, had their fill of such wondrous doings as commonly are but seen upon the stage. A wicked battle between two brothers was ended, and that which men thought would be finished with blood had of a tragical beginning a comical ending. A father saw his sons in armour one against the other come to that point that almost before his eyes he saw his children's death, and then made himself their love day and peace, not being able to escape the necessity of fate, but happy in that he came in due time to that which was determined before. Sons after ten years absence recovered their father, who had been the cause to them of bloody strife for his priesthood, and now adorning him with the emblems of that holy office escorted him home. But above all, Theagenes and Chariclea, who played the lovers' parts in this comedy, were most talked of; and since they had found each other contrary to their hope they made the city to look upon them more than all the other sights that were then to be seen. For great companies of every age came out at the gates into the open fields, and such as were youthful and newly come to man's estate drew near to Theagenes. Those that were of riper years, grown men indeed, approached Thyamis, since they by reason of their age knew him well. The maidenly sort, who now thought upon husbands, flocked about Chariclea; while the old men and such as were of the holier kind surrounded Calasiris. Thus was there made a sudden sacred pomp and bravery.
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§ 7.9 After Thyamis had sent back the people of Bessa, and given them thanks for the pains they took in his quarrel, with promise that at the next full moon he would send them a hundred oxen, a thousand sheep, and ten groats apiece in money, he suffered his father, as he went, to lean upon his shoulder, who now because of his sudden joy began to wax feeble and very faint. Petosiris did the same on the other side; and thus was the old man brought into Isis' temple with torches lighted and with great rejoicings and many instruments of music, so that the lusty youths began also to dance. Nor was Arsace behind, but with her train followed in brave wise and offered great chains of gold in Isis' temple, under pretence to do as others did in the city, but in truth her eyes were always upon Theagenes, and she looked more on him than on any other. Not that she had an honest mind towards him; and when Theagenes led Chariclea by the hand and put the crowd aside that she might take no harm, Arsace conceived a wonderful jealousy. But Calasiris, after he came to the inner part of the temple, fell upon his face, and held the feet of the god's image fast and lay there so long that he was almost dead; indeed he had much ado to arise when they who stood by called upon him. And when he had poured libations to the gods and made his prayers, taking the crown of priesthood from his own head he crowned therewith his son Thyamis, telling the people that he was old and saw that he should not live long, and that his eldest son by the law ought to succeed him, and that he had all things requisite, both in body and mind, to perform his holy duties. After the people by a great shout had declared that they approved what he did, he went himself to a certain part of the temple which is appointed for the priests, and remained there with his sons and Theagenes quietly; while all the other people went every man to his own house.
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§ 7.10 Arsace also departed with much ado, but she returned divers times, pretending to use great diligence about the service of the god. Yet at length she went away, turning herself, as long as she might, to see Theagenes. As soon as she came into the palace she went straight to her bed, and cast herself thereon, attired as she was, without speaking a word, being a woman otherwise very lasciviously bent, but then especially inflamed when she had seen Theagenes' excellent beauty, which far surpassed all that ever she had seen before. So lay she all that night, tossing her body from one side to another and lamenting sore. Sometimes she would rise up, sometimes lean upon her elbow, sometimes cast her clothes almost all from her. Then she would suddenly fall upon her bed again and call in her maid, and without bidding her do anything send her away again. To be short, love had made her mad, and none would have known why, if an old woman called Cybele, her chamberlain and bawd, had not come into her room — for she could well perceive all that was being done by reason of a lamp that burnt there and made Arsace's state more evident — and said:'Mistress, for shame! What ado is this? Doth any new or strange disease pain you? Hath the sight of any man troubled my dearling? What man is so proud and mad as to despise your desire and will, and not rather be entangled by your beauty and account it a passing blessed estate to lie and have to do with you? Tell me my dear daughter; for there is no man so strong hearted but he shall be made to yield by our flattering allurements. Tell me quickly, and you shall have your heart's desire; as in effect, I think, you have oftentimes proved before now.'
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§ 7.11 These words, and many more like them did the old quean speak, using diverse flatteries to make Arsace confess her pain; who, after she had waited a while, said thus:'I am sorely wounded, mother, than ever I was before, and although I have used your ready help many times in like cases, yet I doubt whether now you will have a like success. The battle which this day was like to be fought before the walls, to all other folk was bloodless and concluded in peace. But to me it is the beginning of a worse fray, whereby I am like to lose, not one limb or member, but my wit and senses, because it shewed to me for my misfortune the young stranger who, when the two brothers fought, ran by Thyamis' side. You know well enough, mother, of whom I speak. There is no small difference between the brightness of his beauty and other men's, so that even a rustic who had never been enamoured of fairness would perceive it, and much more your manifold experience. Therefore, dear mother, seeing that now you know my grief, it is time for you to put in practice all manner of means and old women's tricks and flatterings, if you wish your nurseling to live; for there is no other way to keep me alive but to enjoy him.''I know the young man well,' said the old woman;'he was broad breasted and large between the shoulders, straight necked and comely, taller than the rest; to make an end with one word, he far surpassed all other men. His eyes were a little fiery, so that he looked very lovingly and yet courageously also, his hair was smooth combed, and he had a little young yellow beard. To him a stranger woman, marry not uncomely but passing impudent, methought, ran suddenly and cast her arms about him and held him fast and would not go away. Do you not mean this man, mistress?''Yes, even this one, mother,' answered she;'and you have done very well to remind me of that common impudent harlot with her painted beauty whereof she is so proud. Yet surely she is much more happy than I, seeing that she has gotten such a lover.' The old woman smiled a little at this and said:'Mistress, take a good heart and be no longer sorrowful. The stranger counteth her beautiful for this day; but if I can bring it to pass that he have the fruition of you and your beauty, he will soon change gold for brass, as the proverb is, and set naught by the harlot who now maketh so much of herself.''If you do this, my dear Cybele,' quoth she,'you will heal at once in me two wounds, jealousy and love; delivering me from the one and satisfying me with the other.''If I can,' said she,'it shall be done. Be cheerful and take your ease and despair not before we begin, but live in hope.'
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§ 7.12 She said thus, and took the lamp away, and shut the chamber door. Scarce had she seen the dawn when she called one of the king's eunuchs, and taking a maid with her, to whom she gave a few small cakes and other things necessary to do sacrifice, went to the temple of Isis. She came to the door and said that she must do sacrifice for her mistress Arsace, who was troubled this night with certain dreams and wished to appease the goddess. But the verger would not let her in, but sent her away, telling her that the temple place was full of sorrow.' Calasiris the priest,' said he,'after he came home from his long journey made a sumptuous feast in the evening with his children, and surrendered himself to mirth and merriment. When the banquet was done, he poured libations and prayed to the goddess, and after telling his sons that for this night at least they would see their father, and giving them charge concerning two young Greeks that came with him, that they should do what they were able for them, went to bed. Then either in the excess of his joy the passages of his breath became too relaxed and open, since his body was enfeebled by age; or else it was that the gods granted him that which he craved; but about cock-crow he was found dead, his sons by reason of his warning having watched near him all the night. So now we have sent for all the priestly crew in the city, to do his death rites according to the manner of our country. Wherefore you must now depart: for it is not lawful for any man, except he be a priest, to enter into the temple or to offer sacrifice for seven days.''How will the strangers then pass this time?' said Cybele.'The new priest Thyamis,' quoth he,'hath commanded a house to be prepared for them outside the temple. You may see them now approaching, and in accordance with his order going out of the temple for this time.' Cybele, taking this for a good occasion to get them away and make it the beginning of her policy, said:'Most excellent verger, you may do both the strangers and us a good turn, and especially Arsace the great king's sister; for you know how great favour she beareth to Greeks, and how courteously she entertaineth strangers. Tell the young folk that by Thyamis' command their lodging is prepared in our palace.' The verger did so, suspecting nothing of Cybele's deep designs but thinking that he would do the strangers a great pleasure, if by his means they procured their lodging in the prince's court, and also render those who asked it of him a good turn, without harm or detriment to any man. So coming to Theagenes and Chariclea, who were very sorrowful and wept bitterly, he said:'You are not doing as the laws and customs of our country enjoin, and that too although you had commandment that you should not mourn. You weep and wail for a priest, at whose departure hence our sacred doctrine biddeth you rather to be glad and rejoice, as one who hath gained a better estate and a quieter rest. You deserve pardon indeed, for you have lost, as you say, a father and a patron and one on whom all your hopes depended. Yet ought you not altogether to despair. Thyamis, it seems hath succeeded his father not only in the office of priesthood but in good will toward you, and hath given special charge for your welfare. Wherefore a fine lodging is prepared for you, such as would beseem rich men of this country, not to say strangers who are now at a narrow pinch and low ebb, as may be deemed. Follow this woman then,' — showing them Cybele —'and count her as mother to you both and accept her entertainment.'
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§ 7.13 Thus said he, and Theagenes and Chariclea consented; either because they were overwhelmed by this unexpected storm of trouble, or else that in such a time they were content to take any lodging as a refuge. They would have been more heedful, beseemeth, if they had suspected what tragical and intolerable things that lodging would procure them, to their own great harm. But then the fortune that governed their affairs, when it had refreshed them a few hours and given them leave to be merry for one day, suddenly sent upon them fresh causes for grief and brought them into their enemy's hands, as if they had yielded themselves to be bound, making them prisoners under colour of courteous entertainment without any knowledge of what should happen afterward. Such folly and blindness doth a life of wandering cast upon the eyes of those who travel through strange and unknown countries.
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§ 7.14 When they came unto the governor's house, and went through the sumptuous entrances, which were greater and higher than might beseem any private man's estate, furnished with the prince's guard and the other courtly rout, they wondered and were troubled seeing the palace so far too great for their present fortunes. Yet for all that they followed Cybele who comforted them in many ways and bade them be of good cheer, calling them her children and her dearlings, and promised that they should have excellent good luck. At length, when she had brought them to her parlour, which was far from the noise of the court, sitting by them alone without more company, she said:'My children, I know the cause of the grief and sorrow wherein you be now, namely the death of the priest Calasiris who was to you in place of a father. Marry, tell me now also who you be and whence you come. That you are Greeks I understand, and by what I see I may guess that you are of good parentage; for a comely countenance and so elegant a beauty is a manifest token of high blood. I pray you, tell me of what country in Greece and city you be, and how you happened to travel hither. I desire to hear the same, both for your own advantage and that I may certify my mistress Arsace thereof also, who is sister of the great king and wife of Oroondates chief governor, a lover of Greeks and all handsomeness, and very liberal to strangers, to the intent that you may come into her sight in such honourable fashion as your estate shall require. You will tell your story to a woman who is not altogether alien to you; for I myself am a Greek, a Lesbian by birth, brought hither captive, and yet more fortunate here than in mine own country. I serve my mistress in all matters, so that without me she does nothing, save breathe and live: I am her mind, I am her ears; to be short, I am all: I bring to her acquaintance good and honest men and I keep all her secrets.' Theagenes comparing that which Cybele said with that which Arsace did the day before, and thinking how wantonly with fixed looks continually she beheld him so that her nods and becks declared scarce a chaste mind, gathered that small good would ensue to them from all this. But just as he made ready to reply somewhat to the old woman Chariclea said softly to him in his ear:'In your talk remember your sister, I pray.'
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§ 7.15 Perceiving what she meant thereby, he gave this answer:'Mother, you know already that we are Greeks. Know then this further, that we be brother and sister, who voyaging to seek our parents, taken prisoner by pirates, have had worse luck even than they, by falling into crueller men's hands. After we had been robbed of all our great riches, scarce escaping with our lives, by the good-will of God we met with the noble Calasiris, and came with him hither, in mind to pass the rest of our life here. But now we are, as you see, forsaken of all men and left quite alone, and have together with our other parents lost him, who seemed and was indeed a father to us. Such then is our estate. As for the courteous and gentle entertainment we have at your hand, we give you very hearty thanks, and you will do us even more pleasure if you procure us a dwelling apart from other company, deferring the courtesy whereof you talked, that is to acquaint us with Arsace, nor bringing into her high fortunes our strange, banished restless life. For you know well that friendship and acquaintance ought to be between such as are of one condition.' When he had said thus, Cybele could not rule herself, but gave manifest tokens by the cheerfulness of her countenance that she was very glad to hear the words'brother and sister,' thinking that Chariclea would surely be no impediment to Arsace's disports.'O beautiful young man,' quoth she,'you will not say this of Arsace, when you have tried her fashions; she is conformable to all fortune and is ever ready to help those who are in undeserved mishaps. Though she be a Persian, yet in her nature she imitateth the Greeks, much rejoicing in those that come from thence, and is wonderfully delighted with their company and manners. Wherefore be you both of good cheer: you shall be adorned with all honour that may happen to a man, and your sister shall be of her familiar and near acquaintance. But what are your names that I must tell her?' After she had heard them say' Theagenes and Chariclea' she bade them tarry there awhile and ran off herself to Arsace, bidding the door-keeper — who was also an old woman — to let no man come in nor suffer the young folks to go any whither abroad.'Not even if your son Achaemenes come?' asked the door-keeper;'for he went out a little while after you were gone to the temple, to dress his eye which is yet somewhat sore.''No,' quoth Cybele,'open not, even for him. Lock the door and keeping the key with you say I have taken it away.' And so it happened.
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§ 7.16 Cybele had scarce gone forth when Theagenes and Chariclea, being left alone, began to lament and remember their past mishaps, so that they both with one mind and almost with the same words bewailed each other. She cried oft,'O Theagenes';'O Chariclea,' oft said he.'What fortune have we!' quoth he;'In what case are we!' said she. And at every word they embraced each other; and when they had wept a while, they fell to kissing again. Last of all, when they thought of Calasiris, they bewailed him with tears; and especially Chariclea, because for a longer time she had known his love and goodwill toward her. Wherefore with tears she cried out,'O good Calasiris; for I may not call him by the best of all names,'father,' inasmuch as God hath every way cut me off therefrom. I know not the father who begot me. Charicles, who made me his child by adoption, alas! I have betrayed. And now I have lost him also who took charge of me and hath saved and nourished me hitherto; nor will the crew of priests suffer me to weep over his dead body as is accustomably done in burials. But surely, my nurse and saviour — yea and I will call thee father too though god refuse — here and now, where I may and as I may, I offer thee libations of my tears and do thee the death rights with my locks.' And therewith she pulled out a great handful of her hair. Theagenes tried to appease her and held her hands softly, but she lamented nevertheless saying:'To what end shall we live any longer! To what hope may we look! He who conducted us through strange lands, the stay of our error, our guide to our country, the knowledge of our parents, our comfort in adversity, the case of our ill fortune, the anchor of all our affairs, Calasiris is dead, and hath left us two, a miserable pair in a strange land, not knowing what is best to do. Now every journey by land, every voyage by water is by ignorance debarred us. A grave and courteous, an old and wise head, he hath gone from us, and never saw the end of all his kindnesses toward us.'
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§ 7.17 As she in this and such like fashion lamented, while Theagenes sometimes joined in her sorrow and sometimes concealed his own grief that Chariclea's tears might abate, Achaemenes returned and finding the gate locked asked of the porter:'What ado is here?' When he was told it was his mother's deed, he came near the door, and considering the cause thereof in his mind he heard Chariclea lament; then stooping down he looked through the openings, whereby the fastening of the bolts are opened, and saw all that was being done within. He asked the door-keeper again who these were; but she answered that she knew no more than that they were two strangers, a man and maid belike, whom his mother brought in a while ago. He kneeled down again to see if he might more plainly view them, and although he had never known Chariclea before he marvelled at her excellent beauty, and considered what a manner of one she would be if she were not in such sorrow and heaviness; and with this wondering he privily fell in love with her. As for Theagenes, he thought that he dimly recognized him as one he had doubtfully seen. As he was thinking thereon, Cybele returned, having told Arsace of the young folks' estate and called her most happy for her good fortune, in that of itself such luck had come to pass as a thousand devices and tricks would scarce have accomplished, and she now had her beloved in the same house with her, seeing and being seen in safety. With many such words as these she set Arsace on fire, so that she could scarce restrain her, in such haste was she to behold him. But yet she caused her to be content for a while, saying she would not have him see her while her eyes were swollen for lack of sleep, but a day after, when she had recovered her old beauty again. Thus she made her merry and full of hope that she would have her heart's desire, and took order with her what was best to do and how she should entertain the strangers.
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§ 7.18 When she came in then she said:'Why be you so inquisitive here, my son?''Tell me,' quoth he,'what strangers be those within and of what country?''It is not for you to know,' answered she;'keep a still tongue, and tell this to no man, neither be much among the strangers. So our mistress commands.' He went away then, as his mother bade him, and deemed that Theagenes was kept to serve Arsace's turn by night. And as he went, he said thus to himself:'Is not this he whom Mitranes, captain of the watch, delivered to me to be carried to Oroondates, and from him to be sent to the great king, that one whom the people of Bessa took from me, at what time I was in mortal danger, so that I almost alone of all that carried him escaped with my life? Or is it that my eyes beguile me? Nay, I am well enough now, and see as I was wont to do. Moreover I hear that Thyamis came here a day or two ago, and in a combat with his brother recovered the priesthood again. Surely it is he. But I will not say any word of my knowledge now. I will mark how our mistress is affected toward these guests.' Thus he talked with himself.
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§ 7.19 But Cybele, going in to the young folks, saw the signs of their lamentation. For though, when they heard the door open, they tried to trim themselves and counterfeited their wonted guise, the old woman perceived that their eyes were yet full of water. Wherefore she cried out and said:'My dear children, why weep you out of season, when you should rejoice and thank your good fortune, for that Arsace thinketh to do you all the good that you can wish, and wills that tomorrow you come into her presence, and in the meantime shows you all manner of courtesy and gentleness? Wherefore you must leave off these foolish and childish tears, and look up and deck yourselves and in every point do as Arsace would have you.''The remembrance of Calasiris' death,' quoth Theagenes,'caused us to weep, who have lost the fatherly affection which was in him toward us.''These be but toys,' said the old woman.'Old Calasiris, your feigned father, has yielded to the common law of nature and age. All now depends for you on one person: power, riches, dalliance, and the fruits of a flourishing youth: in a word, think of your own fortune and worship Arsace. Only be ruled by me how you must come into her presence, since she so commands, and how you must use her if she bid you do aught. For her stomach is high and princely, as you know, augmented by youthful age and excellent beauty, which will not have a nay, if it make any request.'
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§ 7.20 Theagenes at this was silent and thought within himself that in this talk was contained somewhat that was very beastly and not to be admitted. Within a while after came certain eunuchs, bringing meat from the prince's table on dishes of gold, which surpassed all manner of cost and sumptuousness.'Our lady,' said they,'sends you this as a first entertainment for honour's sake' — and setting down the dishes they straightway departed. The young folk at Cybele's bidding tasted a little of that which was set before them, lest they should seem to be scornful thereof; and this was done every evening for the days that followed. The next morning about the first hour the same eunuchs came to Theagenes and said:'Right happy man, our mistress hath sent for you, and we are commanded to bring you to her presence. Wherefore go and enjoy that happiness which she vouchsafeth to very few and at seldom times.' He stayed a while, but at length, as if he were drawn by violence, he rose and said:'Is her commandment that you bring me alone, or that this my sister shall go with me also?''You must go alone,' said they,'and she also shall go alone another time. Marry now there are certain noble men of Persia with her, and it is a custom to talk with men by themselves, and with women on another occasion.' Then Theagenes stooped down and said softly to Chariclea:'Surely this is neither honest dealing nor without suspicion.' She answered him that there was no gainsaying, but that he must go and make such countenance as if he would do all her will. So he followed with them: but when they told him how he should speak to her, and, that it was the custom for those who entered to fall down and worship her, he made no answer.
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§ 7.21 When he came in and saw her sitting in her chair of state, clothed in purple and cloth of gold, glorious with jolly jewels and her costly bonnet, finely attired and decked, with her guard about her, and the chief magistrates of the Persians by her side, he was not abashed a whit but rather the more encouraged against the Persian bravery. As though he had quite forgotten that whereof he talked with Chariclea, as touching worship and reverence, he neither bowed his knee nor fell down before her, but holding up his head aloft said:' Arsace of royal blood, God save thee.' Whereat when those who were present were offended and murmured against him as one rash and over-bold, in that he had not worshipped her, Arsace smiled a little, and answered for him thus:'Pardon him as one ignorant of our customs and a stranger born in Greece, who by reason of his country despiseth our pomp.' And therewithal she took off her bonnet, sore against the will of those that stood by: for so the Persians render salute to those who have first saluted them. And when she had bidden him to be of good cheer by an interpreter — for although she understood, she could not speak the Greek tongue — and told him to say if he wanted anything and he should have it, she sent him back again, commanding her eunuchs and guards to wait upon him. There Achaemenes seeing him again called him better to his remembrance. But though he marvelled and suspected the cause of the over great honour he had, yet he said nothing and determined to do that which first he planned. As for Arsace, she made a sumptuous banquet to the magistrates of Persia, under colour to honour them as she was wont to do, but in truth for joy that she had talked with Theagenes. To whom she sent not only part of her meat, as was her habit, but carpets and coverings of sundry colours wrought in Sidon and Lydia; she sent also to wait upon them a boy for him and a girl for her, both born in Ionia and about fourteen years of age. Moreover she urged Cybele to make haste and do out of hand what she intended, because she could wait no longer; who indeed herself before this had left no way unsearched, but tried Theagenes' mind by all manner of means. Marry she did not tell him Arsace's mind plainly, but by divers byeways and circumstances she meant to make him understand the same, by telling him of her lady's good will toward him and by commending not only her shape and beauty that all men saw, but on convenient occasions also those parts that were concealed by her apparel. She praised too her manners, for that they were amiable and nothing coy and that she had great delight in fine and stalwart young men; the drift of all her talk being to see if he had any pleasure in the sports of Venus. Theagenes commended the good will that she bare to the Greeks, and her friendly fashions, and whatever else of that sort she talked about, and further for the same gave hearty thanks. But he passed over that which contained any dishonest thing, as though he understood it not at all. Wherefore the old woman was sore grieved and nipped at the heart; for she thought he understood what she meant, but utterly despised and set at naught all her planning. She knew moreover that Arsace would abide no longer, but began even now to be angry and tell her plainly she could no longer contain herself: wherefore she craved the performance of her promise, which Cybele had deferred by divers delays, sometimes saying that the young man would but was afraid, sometimes that one or other mischance fell in the way.
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§ 7.22 By this time five or six days were past, and since Arsace had called for Chariclea once or twice and used her honourably, to do Theagenes pleasure, Cybele was compelled to speak to him more plainly, and tell him of her mistress' love without circumstance, promising that he would have a thousand good turns if he would consent.'For shame,' she cried,'what lingering is this and refusal of love! How can so fair a young man of good age refuse to lie with a woman like himself that dieth for him, and doth not rather account it an advantage to have to do with her. Especially when he need fear nothing, seeing that her husband is out of the way, and I who brought her up and keep her secrets provide the opportunity. You have neither spouse nor wife to hinder you; although that is a thing which many men of sense have disregarded, knowing they would do no harm at home and would do themselves good by gaining great riches, and counting also the fruit of this pleasure a great reward.' At last she began to interlace threats with her talk, saying,'Gentlewomen and such as long for men will not be appeased, but conceive great displeasure when they are cruelly deceived, and punish the stubborn as if they had done them great wrong, and that not without cause. Consider: she is a Persian of the blood royal, as you confessed, and of great power and authority, so that she may honour whom she will, and punish such as withstand her pleasure, without controlment; you are a stranger, alone without any to help you. Wherefore spare yourself and her. She is worthy of your regard, who is so furiously inflamed with your love which she of right ought to enjoy. Take care for the wrath which proceedeth from love, and beware of the revenge which followeth contempt: I have known many men who have repented afterward of such a stomach as this. I have greater experience in these venerious affairs than you: this white head that you see hath been at many such contests, but I never knew any so violent and implacable as you.' Then turning to Chariclea — for necessity made her bold to speak thereof in her presence — she said:'My daughter, help me to persuade this thy brother, whom I know not how to term. This will be for your profit also. You will not be loved a whit the less; you will receive the more honour; you will have riches in plenty; and she will provide you with a splendid marriage: which things are to be desired even by those who are in happy estate, much more by strangers and such as are now plainly in great distress.'
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§ 7.23 Thereat Chariclea looked upon her frowningly and with burning eyes, and said:'It were an excellent thing, and one to be wished, that good Arsace either had no such infirmity, or that having it she used it discreetly. But seeing that such a human chance hath happened unto her and she is overcome as you say, I would counsel Theagenes myself not to refuse the act, if he may do it without danger. My fear is that if it come to light and the governor hap to know of so shameful a thing, his deed will breed him harm and her no good.' When she heard this Cybele leapt for joy and embracing and kissing Chariclea said:'My daughter, thou dost very well to have pity upon a woman like thyself and to seek thy brother's safety. Thou needest have no fear as to this matter: not even the sun, as the proverb is, shall know thereof.''Let me alone now,' said Theagenes,'and give me time to consider.' Thereupon Cybele went out; and as soon as she was gone Chariclea said thus:' Theagenes, even such good fortune as God sends us contains within it more adversity than felicity. Yet it is the part of wise men to turn their ill haps, as much as they may, to better issues. Whether you be in mind to do this deed or not I cannot tell; although I would not be greatly against it, if there were no other way to preserve us. But if — as you should do — you deem it a filthy act which is asked of you, then feign only to consent, and with fair words feeding the barbarous woman's desire soothe her hope, and by promises allay her hot passion, cutting her short by delays, lest in her rage she put some cruel device in practise against us. By the grace of God it is likely that time will provide a remedy for all this: but in any case, Theagenes, beware lest you slip from thought into the filthiness of the act itself.' Theagenes smiled hereat a little and said:'I perceive that even in trouble you are not without jealousy, which is woman's natural disease, But be sure that I cannot feign any such thing; to say and to do unhonest things are both alike dishonest. Furthermore, that Arsace should give up hope bringeth another advantage with it; she will cease to trouble us any more. While, if I must suffer, fortune and my own mind have inured me now to bear whatever betides.''Take care lest you bring us into great mischief,' quoth Chariclea; and therewith she held her tongue.
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§ 7.24 While they were considering of these matters Cybele went to Arsace, and encouraged her to look for better success, saying that Theagenes had given certain tokens of consent: which done, she returned to her own lodging. That night she said nothing, save by exhorting Chariclea, whom at the first she made her bedfellow, to help her in this case; but in the morning she asked Theagenes what he meant to do. He gave her a plain denial and bade her never to look for such a thing at his hand. With which answer she went sadly to Arsace; where having made report of Theagenes' stoutness, her mistress ordered that she be thrust out head foremost, and then went to her chamber and vexed herself cruelly on her bed. The old woman was scarce outside, when her son Achaemenes saw her sadly weeping, and said:'Mother what mishap has befallen? Has any ill news vexed our mistress? Are there any evil tidings come from the camp? Have the Ethiopians the upper hand of our lord Oroondates in this war?' And many such other questions.'Tush,' quoth she,'thy prating is of no effect:' and therewith she made haste to be gone.
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§ 7.25 But he would not let her go, but went after her, and taking her by the hand besought her to tell her son the cause of her grief. Then she took him by the hand, and led him aside into a part of the orchard, said:'I would never have declared mine own and my lady's troubles to any other man. But seeing that she is danger and I in peril of my life — for I know that Arsace's madness will fall into my neck — I am constrained to tell you, if haply you can help her who conceived and bare you into the world, and nourished you with these breasts. Our mistress doth love the young man who is in our house, not with tolerable or usual love, but so that she is almost mad therewith. Both she and I hoped that we should speed well, but we have lost our labour. Hence came all these courtesies toward the strangers and our manifold goodwill. But now, since the young man, like a fool and cruel fellow who will not be ruled, hath refused to do as we would have him, I think she will not live, while I shall be slain as having beguiled and cheated her with promises. In this case are we now. If thou canst help me with anything, do it; if not, when thy mother is dead, see that her death rites are duly performed.''What reward shall I have, mother?' said he.'This is no time to boast myself, or with long circumstances to promise you help, seeing you be in such and so desperate a case.''Look for whatever reward you wish,' said Cybele.'She hath made you her chief cup bearer for my sake already, and if you have any higher office in mind, tell me. As for the riches you shall have in recompense, if you save her, unhappy creature, of them there shall be no counting.''Mother,' quoth he,'I perceived as much a good while ago, but I said nothing and looked ever for what would come of it. I care for no honour, nor regard any riches: but if she will give me the maid who is called Theagenes' sister to wife, then she shall have her heart's desire. I loved the maid beyond all measure, mother. Wherefore, since our mistress knoweth by her own case what and how great a grief love is, she hath good reason to help him who is sick of that same disease, seeing also that he promises her such good fortune.''Have no doubt,' said Cybele.'Our mistress will requite you without delay, when you have done thus much for her and saved her in such distress. Besides perhaps we may persuade the maid ourselves without troubling her. But tell me how you will help.''I will not tell you,' said he,'until I have a promise confirmed by our lady's oath. As for you, say nothing to the maid, lest you mar your market against your will: for I see well that she too has a lofty stomach.' She promised he should have his desire, and hastening to Arsace's chamber fell at her knees and bade her be of good cheer:'By the grace of God, all shall be well, if only you send for my son Achaemenes to come to you.''Let him be called,' said Arsace,'if you mean not to deceive me again.'
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§ 7.26 Achaemenes came in, and when Cybele had told her all the matter Arsace sware by express words that he should have his desire, as touching the marriage of Theagenes' sister. Then said Achaemenes:'Let Theagenes henceforth be quiet. He is your bondman and slave, although he now behaveth himself so stubbornly against his mistress.''How mean you this?' said Arsace. Then Achaemenes told her all: that Theagenes was taken prisoner by law of war; that Mitranes sent him to Oroondates to be conveyed to the great king; that he himself in taking him thither lost him because of the attack of the people of Bessa and Thyamis, so that he hardly escaped with his life: lastly he brought out and showed the letter from Mitranes to Oroondates, and said that if Arsace needed anymore proof he would have Thyamis for witness. At this Arsace recovered some hope, and made no delay but came out of her chamber, and sitting in the seat where she was wont to hear and give judgment, she commanded Theagenes to be brought before her. As soon as he came she asked him if he knew Achaemenes, who stood near. He said yea.'Were you not once his prisoner?' quoth she. Theagenes confessed that he was.'Then are you my bondman,' said she,'and shall do as my slaves, being ruled by my will whether you wish it or not. As for your sister, I have betrothed her to Achaemenes who is chief of my household, both for her mother's sake and his own good will toward us, so long delaying the marriage as to fix a day and provide such things as are needful for a sumptuous feast.' Theagenes was stricken by these words as with a grievous wound, but he resolved not to contrary her, but to avoid her force, as a man would shun the assault of some wild beast:'Lady,' said he,'the gods be thanked, inasmuch as we are well born, that in our adversity it is our good hap to be enslaved to none other than you, who have already shewn so great humanity and good will to us when we seemed to be but aliens and strangers. As for my sister, though she is not a prisoner nor a slave, yet she is ready to do your pleasure and be called as you wish. Wherefore do with her as you think is right.''Let him be put among the waiters at our table,' quoth Arsace,'and learn from Achaemenes to pour out the wine, so that he may be inured beforehand to serve at the king's board.'
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§ 7.27 This done, they went out, Theagenes very heavy and devising of what had best be done, but Achaemenes laughing and scorning him with words like these:'Lo, you who were lately so proud and lofty, the free man with head held high, who thought scorn to submit and worship Arsace, surely now you will have to stoop, or else with fists you will be taught to know your duty.' But Arsace, when she had sent all the others from her, said to Cybele:'Now, Cybele, he hath no more excuses. Go then and tell the proud fellow that if he will be ruled by us and do our will, he shall be made free and have plenty of all things. But if he be still in a contrary mind and despise his lover, he shall understand that his mistress is angry and be made the vilest of all her slaves and tormented with every manner of punishments.' Cybele came and told him Arsace's command, adding of herself what she thought was suitable to persuade him. Theagenes desired her to wait a while, and took Chariclea alone, and said thus:'Now, Chariclea, are we quite undone; every cable, as the proverb goes, is broken, every anchor of hope is lost. Now are we no longer free men in misery, we have again become slaves.' And therewith he told her how.'We are subject to the reproachful scoffs and torments of the barbarians, so that either we must do our master's bidding or else be numbered among the condemned. Yet even this were tolerable if Arsace had not promised — which is the most grievous thing of all — to marry you to Achaemenes, Cybele's son. It is plain that either that shall not be done at all, or that I shall not see it, as long as life gives me a sword and weapons to withstand the same. But what shall we do? What way can we devise to break off my abominable act with Arsace and your shameful marriage with Achaemenes?''By agreeing to the one,' said Chariclea,'you may prevent that other which concerns me.''Hush, hush,' quoth Theagenes,'God forbid that the anger of heaven be so hard upon us that I, who never had to do with Chariclea, should unlawfully meddle with another woman. Nay, I think I have found a good remedy; since surely necessity is the deviser of all manner of shifts.'
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§ 7.28 Therewith he went aside to Cybele and said:'Tell your mistress that I would speak with her alone, so that no man may hear.' The old woman, thinking this to be what they looked for, and that Theagenes would now yield, went hastily to Arsace and received command to bring him after supper, which she did. After she had charged the attendants to be still and let her mistress rest without stirring about the chamber, she conveyed Theagenes in privily; for every place was very dark, so that one might work secretly enough, and there was but one lamp in her chamber. When she had thus done she would have shrunk away, but Theagenes stopped her and said:'Mistress, for this time let Cybele be here, for I know that she is very trusty to keep counsel.' Then taking Arsace by the hand he spake thus:'Mistress, I delayed the doing of that which you commanded me, not out of wilfulness against your wishes, but that I might provide security for myself. And now, seeing that fortune hath kindly made me your slave, I am the more ready to do your will in all points. But first I must ask you to grant me one thing, instead of the great and manifold benefits that you have promised me. Break off the marriage of Chariclea and Achaemenes. For it is not right, to say no more, that a woman of very high parentage should be matched with a bond slave. Else I swear to you by the Sun, fairest of the gods, and by all the rest of the gods also, that I will never do what you want of me, and before Chariclea sustain any violence you shall see me slay myself.' To this Arsace answered:'Think not but that I will do what I can to pleasure you, since I am ready to deliver myself into your hands. But I have promised by oath to marry your sister to Achaemenes.''It is well then, mistress,' quoth he;'you may marry me sister to him, whoever she be: but her whom I love and is my spouse and all but wife I know you will not marry; nor if you would, may you.''What mean you by this?' said she.'I mean the truth,' he answered;' Chariclea is not my sister but my spouse. Wherefore you are released from your oath, and you can have a plain proof when you please, if you list to make a bridal feast for us.' This nipped her, when she heard that Chariclea was his wife, so that she fell into a great jealousy. But for all that she said:'You shall have your desire, and we will appease Achaemenes with another wife.''Then I will perform my promise,' said Theagenes,'when this is undone.' And therewith he bent down to kiss her hand; but she leaning forward, instead of her hand kissed him with her mouth. So Theagenes went out with a kiss of hers, but he kissed her not in return.
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§ 7.29 As soon as he got leisure he told Chariclea all — who heard some things that made her jealous also — and added moreover the strange end that his promise tended unto, and how by that one thing he had wrought many feats.' Achaemenes' wedding.' said he,'is defeated and a delay found for Arsace's lust. But chief of all, Achaemenes now will set all on a broil, being offended in that he is beguiled of what he hoped for, and also because he sees me in better favour with Arsace than himself. He will know all this from his mother, since I provided that she should be there to hear what I said, wishing her to tell Achaemenes this, and also to be a witness of the familiarity which in words only passed between us. For although it is enough to have a clear conscience before God, yet it is well for a man in freedom so to lead his life — which lasteth here but a little while — that others also have good opinion of him. Moreover we may expect that Achaemenes will revenge himself on Arsace, being a slave born — for almost always that which is under obedience is opposed to that which hath authority over it — and beside he has been wronged, and beguiled of an oath, and sees another now preferred above himself. He knows of all her mischief and ill behaviour, and needs not to invent aught against her, as men being angry have oft attempted to do, but from the plain truth has his vengeance ready to his hand.'
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§ 7.30 After he had told Chariclea all these things and exhorted her yet to have a little hope, the next day he was taken by Achaemenes to wait at table; for so Arsace commanded. For that purpose she sent him costly apparel, a chain, bracelets of gold, and other rich jewels, part whereof willingly, part against his will, he put on. When Achaemenes began to teach him how he should serve her cup, he ran to a table nearby whereon stood much plate, and taking a precious goblet in his hand said:'I need no teaching, but will of my own head serve my mistress: I make no ado of matter so easy as this. Your fortune, my good friend, hath forced such knowledge upon you; but nature and occasion can teach me what I have to do.' Then he poured in wine softly, and holding the cup finely with the tips of his fingers and going with a seemly and fit pace, delivered it to Arsace. This draught set her on fire more than she was before; for drinking and looking upon Theagenes at the same time she supped more of his love than of the wine. Nor did she drink the goblet quite off, but on purpose by craft left a little to drink to Theagenes. On the other side Achaemenes was sore vexed and filled both with anger and jealousy, so that Arsace saw him looking scornfully and whispering somewhat to those who stood by. When dinner was done, Theagenes said:'Mistress, I pray you grant me this my first request, let none but me wear this dress and serve at your table.' Arsace consented; but as he went out wearing the accustomed garb Achaemenes came out also, and reproached him for his forwardness, and told him that such rash ways were very childish, and that their mistress only winked at them because he was a stranger and without experience:'If you continue to be so wanton,' said he,'you will suffer for it. And this I tell you as a friend, and one who will soon be your kinsman; for your mistress has promised that I shall marry your sister.' Much more like this he said; but Theagenes, with his eyes upon the ground, passed by him as though he heard him not, until Cybele came upon them, hastening to put her mistress to bed for the afternoon. Seeing her son looking gloomy she asked what he ailed.'This strange younker,' he said,'has been honoured before me both yesterday and today, slipping in and gaining the office of cup bearer. He has given us, her chief servitors, the go by, and standing near her royal person hands the cup, so that our honour, which is now but an honour in name, is utterly despised. It were ill enough that he should be preferred to us and admitted to greater and more secret privities, while we to our own hurt keep silence and aid him, but it would not be so grievous if he did not vent his insolence on us who serve with him and help him in his fine doings. But of that we will talk another time. For the moment mother, I would fain see my betrothed wife, my sweetest Chariclea, if that by looking upon her I may somewhat abate the grief of my mind.''What wife, son?' quoth Cybele;'You seem to chafe at trifles and know not the greater matters. You are not to marry Chariclea now.''What say you mother,' cried he, am I not worthy to marry her, who is my fellow-servant? Why so, I pray you.''Because of our good will and unlawful service to Arsace,' answered she.'For though we set more by her than our own ease, and preferred her desire to our lives, doing all we could to pleasure her, yet as soon as this gentle and goodly lover of hers came into her chamber, the sight of him did so move her that it made her break her oath and give Chariclea up to him, in that he vowed that she was not his sister but his spouse.''Did she promise him, mother?' said he.'Yea, son,' answered Cybele,'she promised him, while I was by and heard it, and meaneth within these few days to make them a sumptuous wedding, and will marry thee to some other.' Thereat Achaemenes groaned bitterly and clapping his hands said:'I will make this a sorrowful wedding for them all. Only help me to defer it for a while, and if any man ask for me, say I am sore sick in the country. That fine gentleman calleth his sister his wife; as though we did not understand that he doth it only to disannul that which by promise was granted to me. Even if he embrace and kiss her as he doth now, yea even if he lie with her, it is no clear proof that she is his wife and not his sister. Nay, I will see to this, and with me the gods, whose religion is violated by the breaking of an oath.'
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§ 7.31 This said, anger and jealousy, love and disappointment, set him so on fire — which things were sufficient to trouble any man even if he were not a barbarian — that, without weighing reasonably what he meant to do, he yielded to the first impulse. That very evening he found means to steal away an Armenian horse, which the governor kept for processions and reviews, and rode off to Oroondates, who was then mustering his army at the great city of Thebes, and making all manner of provision, both of men and weapons and also of all other things necessary for the war.
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§ 8.1 THE EIGHTH BOOK CHARICLEA'S TRIAL The King of Ethiopia had beguiled Oroondates and obtained half of what they contended for by winning the city of Philae, which always is easy to be conquered and by this quick stroke had brought him to such straights that he was compelled to prepare his expedition in haste and without due heed. The City Philae is situated upon the banks of the Nile, a little above the lesser cataract, about twelve miles and a half from Syene and Elephantina. As exiles from Egypt had once taken and inhabited this place, it was always a cause of dispute between the Ethiopians and the Egyptians. The Ethiopians declare that their borders stretch to the cataract, while the Egyptians claim Philae, as a prize of war, because their exiles inhabit the same. The city was continually under the rule now of the one, now of the other, being always theirs who came and conquered it, and at that time it had a garrison of Egyptians and Persians. The King of Ethiopia sent at first an embassy to Oroondates and demanded Philae and the emerald mines there. But when, after sending many times, he still failed in his request, as has been said before, he commanded his legates to go a few days journey in advance, and followed himself with an army which he had long ago prepared, as though for another war, telling no man which way he would take. After he supposed that his ambassadors were past Philae and had filled the inhabitants with security and carelessness — for they bruited abroad that they went with commission to conclude peace — he came suddenly upon them and cast out the garrison, who could not withstand the number of the enemy and their battering rams for more than two or three days, and so took the city, doing no harm to any of the inhabitants thereof.
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§ 8.2 Because of all this Achaemenes found Oroondates sore troubled, having been certified of all that had happened by one who fled from the city; but he troubled him a great deal more, because he came so suddenly and unsent for. Wherefore he asked him at once whether any mischance was befallen Arsace or the rest of his household. He answered that there was, and that he wished to speak to him in private. When every man else was departed he told him how Theagenes was taken prisoner by Mitranes, and sent to him to be conveyed to the great king, if he thought it good; for the young man was worthy to be placed in the court and wait at the king's own table. Then how he was rescued by the people of Bessa, who slew Mitranes, and after that came to Memphis: and thereto he added an account of Thyamis and his fortunes. Last of all he told him of Arsace's love toward Theagenes, and how he was brought to the palace, with the honour which she gave him in token of her good will, and all the service he did as her cup bearer, and how that yet there was no harm done, by reason that the young man withstood her and would not. Marry it was to be doubted by continuance of time or violence he might be forced, if some man did not soon fetch him from Memphis, and so cut away the ground from Arsace's love. And for that cause he had come privily to tell him quickly thereof, since his love for his master was such that he could not conceal what he knew to be contrary to his pleasure.
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§ 8.3 When he had angered Oroondates with this tale, so that he was now thoroughly chafed and in mind to be revenged, he kindled in him a new desire by talking of Chariclea, commending her highly and praising her beauty, as she well deserved, saying that there never was seen such a one before nor would be after.'Account all your concubines,' quoth he,'not only those that are at Memphis but those also who follow you here, not to be worth a rush in comparison with her.' He told him also many other things, trusting that, although Oroondates had to do with Chariclea, he might himself after a while ask for her as the price of his information, and take her for wife. By this time the governor was all on fire, being caught in the snares both of anger and desire, so that without delay he called for Bagoas, one of his most trusty eunuchs, and giving him fifty horsemen sent him to Memphis, with command to bring to him quickly Theagenes and Chariclea, wherever he might find them. He wrote a letter also to Arsace, in this manner: Oroondates to Arsace'Send the prisoners Theagenes and Chariclea, brother and sister being the king's slaves, to me to be conveyed to the king: and send them willingly; for whether you wish it or not, they shall be taken from you and credit given to Achaemenes.'
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§ 8.4 To Euphrates his chief eunuch at Memphis he wrote thus:'Of the negligent ordering of my house you shall hereafter give account. At this time deliver to Bagoas the two Greek prisoners, whether Arsace be willing or not. Let them be delivered without fail; else know that I have commanded to bring thee also in bonds to be flayed alive.' Bagoas then set off to do his commands, having the letter sealed with the governor's own signet, that those at Memphis should the better credit them and deliver to him the young folks. Oroondates himself went to his war against the Ethiopians, ordering that Achaemenes should follow with him also, and be kept secretly under guard until his information was proved true.
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§ 8.5 About this same the following matters happened at Memphis. Just after Achaemenes had gone Thyamis, being now high priest and therefore chief of the city, when he had performed whatever pertained to the burial of Calasiris within the appointed days, remembered to make inquiry after Theagenes and Chariclea, since it was now lawful for the priests by their own ordinance to deal with strangers. Making diligent search for them everywhere, he heard at length that they were lodged in the prince's court. Wherefore he went to Arsace in haste and asked for them, saying that for many reasons they appertained to him, but especially for that his father Calasiris with the last words he spake commanded him to provide for their welfare and defend them from wrong. He thanked her for entertaining the young Greek strangers so courteously during the days when it was not lawful for any but priests to lodge in the temple; but marry now he desired to have them who had been entrusted to himself again. To this Arsace made answer:'I marvel at you, that while with your own mouth you commend us for our humanity and gentleness, you condemn us straightway again of incivility, making it appear that either we cannot or we will not provide for strangers and do for them as reason requires.''I mean not so,' said Thyamis,'for I know that they would fare better here with you than at my house, if they wished to stay. But seeing that they are of good parentage, and have been diversely tormented by fortune, and for the moment are far from their native country, they care for nothing so much as to recover their friends and get home again. Wherein that I should help them my father left me his heir, and I have besides other causes of amity with them.''You do well,' quoth Arsace,'to leave brawling and to plead equity: which appears so much the more on our side, as in matters of ownership possession as master is a stronger thing than vain intentions.' Thyamis wondered at this and said:'Have you mastership over them? How I pray you?''By martial law,' quoth she,'which maketh of prisoners bond slaves.'
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§ 8.6 Then Thyamis perceived that she spake of the business with Mitranes, and said:'There is no war, but Arsace, but peace at this time; and although the one bringeth into bondage, yet the other maketh free. The one is a tyrant's will, the other a monarch's decree. In a word, war and peace ought not to be regarded by their names, but by the meaning and intent of those that use them. Wherefore you will make a better definition of equity if you consent to this. As for what is honest and profitable there can be no question. For how is it seemly for you, or profitable, to appear so madly set on keeping these young strangers?' At that Arsace could contain herself no longer; and that happened to her which is common to all lovers. So long as they think they are not spied, they blush; but when once they are perceived, they are past all shame. The secret lover hesitates; he that is detected becomes the more bold. Since then her guilty mind accused her and she thought that Thyamis suspected somewhat, she set not a rush by the priest nor by the honour of his office, but elbowing aside all womanly shame she said:'You shall not go unpunished, you people, for what you did to Mitranes. In due season Oroondates will take vengeance on those that slew him and his company. As for these strangers, I will not let them go. For the moment they are my slaves, and within a short space they will be sent according to Persian custom to my brother the great king. Wherefore play the orator as long as you list, and lose your labour with defining of justice, and honour, and utility. He who hath dominion over another, needeth none of these, but measureth each according to his own wish. Begone from our court straightway, and that willingly, lest, if you care not, you be forced to depart in your despite.'
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§ 8.7 So Thyamis went away, calling the gods to witness and saying only that this would not come to a good end, but meaning already to tell his story to the city and ask the people's aid. But Arsace said:'I care not for your priesthood: love's one holy office is happiness.' And therewith she went to her chamber, and sending for Cybele devised what they had to do. For by this time she began to suspect that Achaemenes was gone to Oroondates, because he came not into sight. If at any time she asked for him, Cybele made diverse and sundry excuses, to persuade her anything rather than that he was gone to Oroondate: but for all that she was not believed, and as time went on lost her credit quite. On this occasion then Arsace said:'What shall we do now, Cybele? What way can we devise to rid me out of all these perils that I am in? My love abateth no whit, but rather waxeth fiercer and fiercer, finding fresh fuel in the young man. But he is cruel, and will not be ruled, and was more gentle even before than he is now; for then he comforted me with deceitful promises, but now he openly refuses to do my request. I am the more grieved for fear lest, as I suspect, he too has heard of Achaemenes, and therefore is more afraid than ever of the act. And in addition to all this there is the vexation of Achaemenes, who is gone with information to Oroondates, and is likely either to persuade him or at least to find him not altogether incredulous. But let me only see Oroondates; I know he will not be able to withstand my flattery and one tear from Arsace's eyes. For a wife's caresses and familiar looks have a wonderful charm to persuade her husband. But what grieveth me most is if haply I be accused, yea and punished even, if Oroondates believes the charge before I see him, ere I have had my way with Theagenes. Wherefore, Cybele, turn every stone, devise every manner of means now, seeing that we are brought to our final extremity. And remember that if I despair myself I shall not spare others, and you shall be the first to taste the fruits of your son's attempts; whereof that thou are ignorant I cannot surmise.''As touching my son,' said Cybele,'and my fidelity to you, mistress, you will know in the end that you are deceived. That you so slackly handle your own love is no just reason why you should blame others who are blameless. You do not command the stripling like a mistress but flatter him like a servant. That perhaps was well enough at the first, when we deemed him to be of a weak and tender spirit; but now when he withstands his lover so stiffly, let him by experience learn that you are his mistress, and be glad after whips and torments to yield to your pleasure. For young men pay no heed to prayers, but when they are forced then they begin to stoop. Wherefore this one also, when he is chastised, will do that which he would not while he was flattered.''You seem to speak well' said Arsace,'but how could I abide to see with mine own eyes his body scourged or otherwise tormented?''You are too pitiful,' said Cybele;'it rests with him: a little pain will make him better advised, and you after a little grief will have all you desire. You need not vex your own yes with what shall be done to him. Deliver him to Euphrates, and command him to punish him as it were for some other offence, so that you shall not see that which would pain you — for hearing is nothing so grievous as sight — and then, if we perceive that he has changed his mind, we may on his sufficient repentance release him from his pain.'
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§ 8.8 Arsace allowed herself to be persuaded — for love when in despair has no mercy on the beloved and is ever wont to take vengeance for a repulse — and sending for the chief eunuch commanded him to do as they had devised. He, being afflicted with jealousy as are all eunuchs, and offended with Theagenes besides because of other things that he saw and surmised, laid him at once in irons, and locking him in a dark room tormented him with hunger and stripes. When Theagenes, who knew the reason well enough but pretended to be ignorant, asked why he was thus handled, he gave him no answer; but every day augmented his pains and tormented him more than either Arsace wished or had commanded, never suffering any man to go in to him save Cybele: for so was he ordered. She came to him very often, pretending she brought him food privily, as being very sorry for his mishap because of their past acquaintance, but in truth trying him, to see if he relented a whit because of these pains, and how he was presently minded. But he played the man then all the more and withstood every trial, suffering his body to be afflicted, but keeping a lofty stomach by reason of his chastity. As for his ill fortune, he rejoiced therein, because though his greatest part was tormented, yet his best and most noble part was well pleased, since he had occasion now to show his love and faithfulness to Chariclea. He thought indeed that it went very well with him if only she might know thereof, and ever called upon her as his light and his life. Cybele seeing this, when, contrary to Arsace's mind — which was that he should be punished a little, until he relented, and not tormented to death — she had brought Euphrates word to augment his punishment, began now to realise that her attempt had been useless and of no effect, and to understand in what danger she herself was. Sometimes she was afraid of the instant vengeance of Oroondates, if Achaemenes should have told him hereof; sometimes she feared lest Arsace even before that should have her killed, as having been beguiled of the attainment of her love. She determined therefore to brave all risks, and by some surpassing stroke of mischief execute Arsace's pleasure and so avoid her present peril, or else to do away with every proof by killing of them all. In that mind she went to Arsace and said:'Mistress, we lose our labour. That obstinate fellow relenteth no whit, but is more wilful, and hath Chariclea always in his mouth, and comforteth himself with her name, as if it were the dearest thing in the world to him. Wherefore if it please you, let us cast our last anchor, as the proverb says, and make away with her who stands so in our way. For if he shall know that she is dead, it is likely that he will change his mind and do our pleasure, being out of all hope of her love.'
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§ 8.9 Arsace snatched at her words — for her old jealousy was now by anger increased — and said:'You give me good counsel: I will see to it and give command that the mischievous wench be removed.' Who will do your commandment in this point?' said Cybele.'For although you have all things in your hands, yet the laws will not let you kill any one without the judgment of the Persian magistrates. You will have need, at your own great trouble and annoyance, to invent a charge against the maid; and then it is doubtful whether we shall be able to prove it. But if you think good — for I am ready to do anything for your sake — I will dispatch this matter with poison, and by means of a subtle cup rid our adversary of her life.' Arsace approved the plan and bade her put it into practise; and she went about it forthwith. She found Chariclea moaning and weeping and thinking of naught but how to devise some way of death — for by this time she suspected in what case Theagenes was, although at first Cybele had by diverse tricks deluded her and made sundry excuses for that she saw him not in the parlour as she was wont to do — and said to her:'Good soul, wilt thou not cease thus to vex thyself and pine away to no purpose? Behold, Theagenes will be set at liberty this night and come to thee. Our mistress, who was somewhat angered with him because of a certain offence that he committed in serving her and commanded him to be kept in ward, hath promised this day — partly at my request — to set him at liberty and to celebrate a sumptuous feast according to the custom of this country. Wherefore arise and be merry and now at length eat somewhat with us.''How can I believe you?' said Chariclea.'Your continual lying hath so often beguiled me that I cannot give credit to anything that you say.' Then said Cybele,'I swear unto you by all the gods that your business shall be dispatched this day and you will never need to trouble hereafter; provided only you do not kill yourself before by refraining these many days from food. Wherefore eat some bit of that which is provided at this time.' Chariclea with much ado consented, although she doubted not that she would deceive her as she had done many times before; but partly because of her oath she agreed and partly she was glad to embrace the pleasure that she promised: for the mind doth quickly give credit to that which it earnestly desireth. So they sat down together and did eat. As the waiting maid served them to drink Cybele beckoned to her to bring Chariclea the first cup, and then she herself drank of another. But scarcely had she drank it off when she began to grow dizzy and spilling what was left on the ground and looking fiercely at the maid was torn with violent retchings and convulsions.
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§ 8.10 Chariclea was terror stricken with dismay and tried to help her; and so were all the rest that were there. For the poison, it appeared, was swifter than an arrow in its force and strong enough to kill at once even a young and lusty man, while in her old dry body it made its way to the vital parts sooner than any one could tell the tale. Thus was the old woman consumed, and when the spasms were ended her limbs fell motionless, and all her body turned very black. But methinks her crafty mind was more mischievous even than the poison; for even as she was yielding up her ghost she forgot not her subtle devices, but partly by signs and partly by broken words and dying speech she signified that it was Chariclea who had poisoned her. So the old woman died, and Chariclea was bound and brought straightway to Arsace, who asked her whether she had provided the poison, and threatened to torment her on the rack if she would not confess the truth. Then was Chariclea a strange sight to those who looked upon her. She was not sad nor bare any countenance that might argue a faint heart, but came forward smiling and made no account of what she had in hand: either because she heeded not the slander as being guiltless, or else that if Theagenes were not alive, she wished also to die and thought it a gain to take upon her a deed which others had done.'Jolly dame,' said she,'if Theagenes be alive, say that I am not guilty of this murder. But if he has miscarried through thy mischievous attempts thou shalt need no torments to make me confess. I am she who killed thy nurse that brought thee up so well and taught thee so much good. Take me and kill me out of hand: for I could do Theagenes no greater pleasure, who by good right hath resisted thy wicked devices.'
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§ 8.11 These words made Arsace mad, and when she had commanded her to be beaten she said:'Carry this quean away, bound as she is, and show her to her goodly lover, who is in like plight, and when you have bound her hand and foot commit her to Euphrates also to be kept until tomorrow, that she may be condemned to death by the Persian magistrates.' As she was led away, the maid who was Cybele's cup-bearer — she was one of the two Ionians, who at first were given by Arsace to wait upon the young folks — either for good will to Chariclea by reason of their acquaintance and familiarity, or else moved by the will go God, wept and lamented pitifully and said:'O unhappy woman that is without all fault.' They who were by wondered at her and compelled her to tell plainly what she meant. Then she confessed that she herself gave Cybele that poison, having received it before from her to give it to Chariclea. Troubled by the strangeness of the matter, or else called hastily by Cybele, who bade her bring the first draught to Chariclea, she had changed the cups and given the old woman that wherein the poison was. So she was carried forthwith to Arsace, all men deeming it a happy issue that Chariclea should be found free of guilt; for even barbarous folk have pity upon a gentle and noble countenance. But though the maid said the same to her, yet she prevailed nothing, but Arsace commanded her also, as helping and consenting to the deed, to be put in prison, and kept for judgment.
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§ 8.12 The Persian magistrates, in whose hands it was to determine controversies and punish offences against the common weal, were sent for in haste to sit in judgment the next day. When they were come Arsace accused Chariclea of poisoning her nurse, declaring all that had happened, and oft would moist her words with tears, because she was despoiled of her whom she counted most dear and above all others loved her best. She took moreover the judges to witness how she had entertained Chariclea, being a stranger, and showed her all manner of courtesy, and was now thus wronged instead of thanks which she had well deserved. To be short, Arsace laid sore charges against her; but Chariclea made no answer, but confessed the fact again, and said that she gave her the poison, and moreover she added that she would have poisoned Arsace also, if she had not been prevented, and many other things else, railing openly against her and inviting the judges to deliver sentence of punishment. For she had been the night past with Theagenes in prison, and conferring with him of their affairs in turn she had concluded, that, if need were, she would willingly die any manner of death whereto she should be condemned, and depart out of a life full of troubles and endless wanderings and cruel fortune. Then she had given him his last farewell belike in loving fashion, and taken the jewels that were exposed with her, which she was ever wont of purpose to bear privily upon her, and tied them about her body, underneath, to the intent that they should furnish her burial, and now confessed every accusation that was laid against her and refused no manner of death and rehearsed herself many things of which she was not even accused. Wherefore the judges made no delay but had almost adjudged her to a more cruel and Persian -like death; yet, because they were moved somewhat by her countenance and young surpassing beauty, they condemned her presently to be burned with fire.
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§ 8.13 Then was she led away by the executioners and carried a little without the walls, the herald proclaiming that she was to be burned as a prisoner, and a great company following forth from the city. Some saw her as she was being led away, others heard thereof by report, which quickly flew over all the town, and so hastened. Arsace came also and looked on from the wall; for she thought it a pain, if she satisfied not herself by seeing her die. When the executioners had laid a great deal of wood together and put fire thereto, so that now it began to flame, Chariclea prayed those who led her to give her a little leave, promising that she would go into the fire alone. Which granted, she lifted up her hands to haven where the sun sent forth his rays, and cried with a loud voice:'O sun and earth, and all ye blessed spirits upon the earth and under the earth, who see and take vengeance on all workers of wickedness, be witness that I am not guilty of that whereof I am accused. Vouchsafe to take me gently into your care, for I am willing to die because of the intolerable griefs that burden me. And hasten to take vengeance on this shameless Arsace, who hath defiled herself with so many filthy acts, and is a harlot, and doth all this to rob me of my husband.' When she had said this, all cried out at her words: some would have the execution stayed till another time of judgment, some were ready to take her away now: but she, preventing them all went into the midst of the fire.
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§ 8.14 She stood there a good while without harm and the fire went every way about her, but approached not near to do any hurt, giving place rather when she came thereinto, so that by reason of the light around her beauty was made the fairer and more wonderful, seeming like to a bride married in a chamber of fire. She went sometimes into this side and sometimes into that, marvelling what it meant and hastening to die; but it prevailed not, for the fire always gave way and fled as it were from her. The tormentors for their part ceased not to lay on wood and reeds — Arsace with threatening nods charging them so to do — to make it burn more fiercely: but it did no good, save that it troubled the people more, who supposing that she had help from heaven cried:'The woman is clean, the woman is not guilty' and coming to the fire put the tormentors aside. The first that so did was Thyamis — for by this time he was come, being admonished of what was done by the great noise in the city — who encouraged the people to help her. They were fain to deliver her but durst not come near the fire, bidding her step out herself, for she that had been in the fire without harm need fear nothing if she list to come forth. Which when Chariclea saw and hard, thinking that God preserved her, she deemed it best not to be ungrateful nor make light of his benefit, and leapt out of the fire. Whereat the people for joy and wonder gave a great shout and thanked the gods. But Arsace, not well in her wits, skipped from the walls and came out at a postern with a great company of her guard and other noble men of Persia, and laid hands herself upon Chariclea, and looking frowardly upon the people said;'Are you not ashamed to go about to deliver a graceless woman, a witch and a murderer, taken in the deed doing and confessing the same. In so helping such a wicked quean, you strive against the Laws of Persia and against the king himself, his governors, nobles and judges. Perhaps you be deceived, because she burned not this day, and ascribe that help to the gods. Will you not be wiser and understand that this is a great proof of her witchcraft, who hath such store of sleights that she can withstand the might of fire? Come you tomorrow into the counsel house, if you will, for it shall be open and public to all; and there you shall hear her confess and be convicted also by those who were privy to her crime, that I now keep in prison.
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§ 8.15 Therewithal she carried her away, holding her by the neck, and commanded her guard to make room. Some of the people were angry and in mind to resist; others gave way because they were somewhat blinded by the tale of poisoning; but most had fear of Arsace and her authority. So Chariclea was delivered to Euphrates again, to be kept for another judgment, and had more irons laid upon her. The greatest comfort that she had in this adversity was that she had time to tell Theagenes of her affairs. For this was Arsace's invention too, to put them to more pain, thinking that the young people being prisoners together might behold each other's torments and griefs: since she knew that a lover is more distressed by his friend's pain than by his own. But this was to them a comfort, and they thought it gain to be afflicted alike, and if either had less torment than the other, each supposed himself vanquished and as it were more weak in love. Moreover they were together, and could encourage one another to bear in manly fashion whatsoever fortune came, and refuse no trial that might ensue of their unfeigned chastity and steadfast faith. After they had talked far into the night of such matters as it is likely they would — for they never hoped to talk together again — and had satisfied themselves as well as they might, they at last fell into communication of the miracle which happened about the fire. Theagenes referred the benefit thereof to God's goodness who had saved her, being guiltless, from Arsace's unjust slander. But Chariclea seemed to doubt.'For,' quoth she,'this strange kind of delivery may be thought indeed to proceed from God. But to be afflicted with these our miseries and torments beyond measure is rather a sign of those who are plagued by God and suffer from his displeasure. Unless indeed this be a divine mystery, where God casts men into extreme peril, and when all hope is past finds a remedy.'
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§ 8.16 When she had said this, and Theagenes bade her be content and to cling to godly thoughts even more than to chastity, suddenly she cried:'The gods be favourable to us! Now I remember what a dream or waking vision I had this last night, although, I know not how, I had forgotten it before. It was a line of verse and noble Calasiris expounded it to me, either appearing to me in my sleep or else manifestly seen. The meaning whereof was this.'By virtue of Pantarbe let fear Of fire removed be An easy thing for Parcae'tis, Though else right strange to see.'
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§ 8.17 Theagenes, when he heard this, himself also was moved like those who have some divine spirit, and gave as great a leap as his chains would let him, and said:'Be kind to us, ye gods. I also am made a poet now, and remember an oracle which some like spirit gave me, whether it was Calasiris or some god appearing in Calasiris' shape, who seemed to say thus to me.'Tomorrow shalt thou with the maid Escape Arsace's band, And soon be brought with her into The Aethiopian land.'
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§ 8.18'As for me, I can guess whereto this oracle tendeth. The'Land of Ethiopia' seemeth to be that which is under the ground.'With the Maid,' that is, to dwell with Proserpine: and the escape from Arsace's band signifies the departure of the soul from the body. But what should your verse mean, wherein are so many contraries? for' Pantarbe' means'all fearful;' and yet it bids you not be afraid of the fire.' Then said Chariclea:'My dear heart Theagenes, our long acquaintance with calamity maketh thee to take all things for the worse. For men commonly suit their thoughts to those things that befall them. I think that thy oracle doth foreshadow better luck than you suppose. Perhaps I am the maid, with whom it promises that, after you be delivered from Arsace's chains, you shall journey to my country of Ethiopia. How this shall be done we know not; but it is neither incredible nor impossible for the gods to do; those who have given us these oracles will see thereto. As touching that which was foretold of me, it is fulfilled, as you yourself know; and I for whom there seemed no hope am still alive. I carried my safety upon me, although then I knew it not; but now, methinks, I understand. For whereas at all times before I carried with me the tokens that my mother laid forth with me, at that time above all others, looking for my last judgment I tied them about my body in a secret place, that if I were saved they might find me such things as were necessary for me to live by, but if I miscarried that they might be my last ornaments and furniture for my burial. Among these, Theagenes, which are jewels of great value and very precious stones of India and Ethiopia, there is a ring which my father gave my mother when he was ensured to her, wherein is set a stone called Pantarbe, and about it are certain holy letters written. To be short, that ring hath some heavenly virtue in it which withstandeth fire, giving them that have it grace never to be hurt thereby: which perhaps by the will of the gods hath also preserved me. This may I think and know, because good Calasiris told me the same was written on that band which was then exposed with me and is now wrapped around my body.''That is probablye and like to be true,' said Theagenes,'because of your escape. But what second Pantarbe shall we have to help us out of tomorrow's danger? It doth not promise immortality because of its avoidance of the fire — I would to God it might — and the most wicked Arsace methinks is now devising some new fashion of vengeance against us. I would that she might condemn us both at once to one kind of death; for verily I should not call that death but a rest from all our troubles.''Be of good comfort,' quoth Chariclea;'we have another Pantarbe, even the promise that was made us this night. Let us trust to God, and then we shall either have the more pleasure if we be saved, or die with better minds if need require.' Thus were they occupied, sometimes lamenting and weeping, more for the other's than their own fortune, sometimes taking their last leave and swearing by the gods and their present trouble that they would hold their faith in love inviolable to the death.

Via ToposText (topostext.org), a project of the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation created by Brady Kiesling. Translated by Thomas Underdowne (1587), with Frederick Adam Wright (1869-1946). Composed ca. 280 CE. Licence: Used by permission. Source.